Hey howdy hey, Beth and welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. As Snow White sings, “with a smile and a song, life is just and bright sunny day” and if you have to deal with a loose bracket or poking wire well, you may not be smiling much at the place “where dreams come true.” That does not sit well with the Big Cheese, Mickey Mouse.
How do I know? In addition to being a Disney fanatic, I am also an orthodontist creating beautiful smiles because it’s a small world after all and everyone loves a beautiful smile.
Walt Disney World Resort does not have orthodontic services on site. Here is what I tell my Disney-bound patients to do keep their smiles competing with the Cheshire Cat in the event they become uncomfortable.
1. I give them the names of colleagues who are near Walt Disney World Resort just in case they need to get an orthodontist involved (most issues can be managed without a professional).
2. Check your wires and brackets before you leave by pushing on them with your finger to see if they move and feel behind the last bracket for a poking wire. If present, then get it resolved before you leave.
3. Pack orthodontic wax, a clean and sharp toenail clipper and tweezer in your theme park bag so it is available should a moment of discomfort arise. Wax is perfect for securing a loose bracket or covering a poking wire while the toenail clipper should be strong enough to clip a poking wire. The tweezer will help remove the broken wire.
4. Choose softer foods and avoid the crunch. Soft foods are very gentle on brackets and wires while hard, crunchy foods may cause brackets to break free from teeth and cause the wire to dislodge. Suggested items to eat: Mickey Waffles, Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar, DOLE Whip, Turkey Leg with the meat cut off, pizza (no crust), sliced fruit, eggs, and burgers. Please avoid foods similar to popcorn, caramel, lollipops, and hard bread.
5. Cut your food into small pieces. This alone will allow you to enjoy 99% of all the delicious foods Mickey and the gang create.
6. Bring a toothbrush to the theme park for pictures with smiles of pixie-dusted perfection.
7. Cast Members in the restaurants are great resources regarding soft food choices.
8. Please remember to brush and floss.
9. Enjoy every enchanted moment “with a smile and a song.”
Disney Orthodontic Dad Tip: The
Tune-In Lounge and
50's Prime Time Café have some of the best milkshakes the world have ever known. If teeth are sore, make sure to devour this cup of magic. Doctors orders!
Beth, enjoy making many Magical Memories.
~Jason