🕶️🐶 Double the dogs, double the cool! ☀️

These two pups are serving serious summer style in their Mt. Diablo Orthodontics shades! 😎 We think they may have just set the bar for the Shady Pets Summer Sunglasses Contest. 💙

Think your furry friend has what it takes? Stop by our office to pick up a pair of our sunglasses, strike a pose, and enter for your chance to win!

🏆 Contest Categories:
🐾 Cutest Pet
😂 Funniest Photo
🎨 Most Creative Pose
❤️ Best Pet/Owner Duo

✨ Every patient who enters earns 30 Smile Rewards Points, category winners receive 200 points, and our Grand Prize Winner scores 300 points!

📅 Contest runs through August 21.

📸 Post your photo on Instagram or Facebook and tag us for extra rewards points, or email your entry to ortho@mtdiablosmiles.com.

Who's ready to give these stylish pups some competition? We can't wait to see your Shady Pets! 🐕🕶️☀️

#ShadyPetsContest #MtDiabloOrthodontics #ShadyPets #SummerSmiles #DogsofInstagram #StylishPups #PetContest #DogLife #SmileRewards #Orthodontics #BracesLife #PetLovers #SummerFun #CuteDogs #CommunitySmiles #ConcordCA #PleasantHill #WalnutCreek #BayAreaPets #DoubleTheCool

If you're on vacation and something happens to your braces, don't panic! Most orthodontic emergencies are not true emergencies and can usually wait until you return home. Here are some tips:

If a bracket becomes loose:
If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it alone if it's comfortable.
If it's sliding on the wire and causing irritation, cover it with orthodontic wax.
Avoid playing with or twisting the bracket.
Call us when you return.
If a wire is poking your cheek or gums
Try placing orthodontic wax over the end of the wire.
If you don't have wax, sugar-free chewing gum (temporarily) can help cushion the area.
You can gently push the wire back into place using the eraser end of a clean pencil or a clean cotton swab.
Rinse with warm salt water if the area becomes sore.
If a wire comes out of a bracket
If you can safely guide it back into the bracket using clean tweezers, you may do so.
If not, place wax over the end to prevent irritation and contact us when you get back.
If a wire breaks
Cover any sharp ends with orthodontic wax.
If a small piece has completely detached, save it if possible and bring it to your appointment.
Do not attempt to cut the wire yourself unless we have specifically instructed you how to do so.
If a rubber band comes off
no worries it's usually just for decor. We have self-ligating brackets.
If you're in pain
Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water).
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen, if it's safe for you to use.
Eat soft foods until the discomfort improves.
Call us right away if:
A wire or appliance is causing significant pain that you can't relieve with wax.
An appliance has completely come off.
You have swelling, signs of infection, or trauma to your mouth or teeth.
Pack a small orthodontic emergency kit with:
Orthodontic wax
A travel toothbrush and toothpaste
Floss or floss threaders
Small tweezers
Nail clippers (only if we have instructed you they're safe to use for emergencies)
Pain reliever
Our office phone number 925-689-4790 listen to recording for further instructions.

Most loose brackets and poking wires can safely wait a few days until you return home, as long as you can keep the area comfortable with wax and you're not experiencing severe pain or swelling.
#MtDiabloOrthodontics #wehavethebestpatients #officeinfo #travelsmart #summervacationwithbraces

One of our most-asked summer questions: "Can I swim with braces?"
Short answer: absolutely, yes!

Pool water won't damage your brackets or wires. The only thing to watch for is chlorine drying out your mouth — which can temporarily make your lips more sensitive to wires. A thin layer of wax on any sharp spots before swimming solves this instantly.

Ocean swimming is fine too. Salt water is actually gentle on soft tissue.
The one real summer rule? Rinse your mouth with fresh water after swimming, and don't skip your brushing routine after a poolside snack.

Questions about braces care this summer? We're always a message away. 💬

#braces #summer #MtDiabloOrthodontics #Smilemore #kids