Winter Orthodontics: What to Expect When It’s Cold Outside

Winter orthodontics tips graphic from Mint Orthodontics

You’re living in Minnesota, so you know what winter has in store for you. Snowstorms, dry air, and really cold temps are just part of the deal. While winter might have you question your life choices (we get it), it doesn’t have to derail your orthodontic treatment.

With a few tweaks, you can keep your smile safe from the uncontrollable Midwest weather.

Cold Weather & Tooth Sensitivity

With winter months come cold weather, which could mean sensitive teeth for just about anyone… including those with braces and aligners. Unfortunately, there is no scheduled winter break for this.

Just like Minnesota roads, your teeth expand and contract as the temperature changes. These shifts can create tiny cracks in the enamel. These cracks don’t usually affect your tooth’s strength or structure, but they can cause sensitivity when the arctic air hits. If the outside layer of your teeth (enamel) has started to wear away, the dentin below can become very sensitive. Without this protection, the inside of your teeth is more exposed to the frigid air outside.

Mint approved tips:

Limit your frozen tundra time: Keep the outdoor activities short. When you are outside, breathe through your nose to reduce the air hitting your teeth.

Embrace the warm beverage season: Sip on some tea, hot cocoa, or have some soup. This will keep your mouth warm and could soothe sensitivity.

Stick to the orthodontist and dentist-recommended toothpastes: Sensitive toothpaste formulas can help during and after treatment.

Skip acidic foods: Citrus and acidic snacks can increase tooth sensitivity, especially in cold weather.

Dry Air, Dry Lips, Dry Mouth (The Winter Trio)

As Minnesotans, we unfortunately understand the winter struggles: cold air outside + indoor heat = dryness everywhere. Your skin isn’t the only thing feeling the dryness, your lips, gums, and mouth are experiencing it too.

Low humidity can cause lips (especially the corners of your mouth) to become dry cracked, and painful. At the same time, dry air can reduce saliva production, weird right? Since saliva helps wash away bacteria, dry mouth can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Mint-approved fixes:

Lip balm is your new bff: Keep one on you at all times. We have plenty at our office (;

Hydrate often: Drink water throughout the day and especially at night

Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to your home can help combat dry lips, gums, and skin.

Try orthodontic wax: If dry lips and braces are causing irritation, wax will create a smooth barrier between the two.

Winter Foods: What’s Safe, What’s Not

If you’re in braces, you know the usual no-nos in the food department (hard, sticky, crunchy). During the cold season, we may want to add a few more to the list if you are experiencing sensitivity because of the weather.

Ice or extra cold beverages: Not exactly appealing when it’s below zero anyway.

Frozen or semi-frozen treats: Treats straight from the freezer can trigger sensitivity.

Very hot foods and temp changes: Mixing hot soup and cold air can heighten sensitivity.

Fewer Winter Appointments With Dental Monitoring

Good news: Mint Orthodontics doesn’t believe in unnecessary winter outings. Thanks to our advanced technology, many of our patients can stay on track with their treatment without even stepping outside.

We use tools like remote dental monitoring and virtual appointments to check progress from home, no bundling up, no wasted trips, no every-4–6-week visits “just because.”

When we do ask you to come in, it’s intentional. Every visit has a purpose

Cold Weather Care for Aligners & Retainers

Are you on the Invisalign route or just have a retainer? Make sure that you keep your aligners out of the extremely cold temperatures. Don’t leave them in your car overnight or in a freezing bag. Cold temps can warp and distort them, which means a replacement, and we assume you want to stay away from that happening.

Make sure you keep your case with you so that your invisalign aren’t sitting out in the cold. Also, if you are traveling, make sure they are with you in your carry-on, NOT in your checked luggage (they can get really cold in mid-flight cargo holds).

Winter Happens, But Your Smile is Still Transforming

Make sure your winter survival kit is stocked with lip balm, water, sensitive toothpaste, and orthodontic wax to keep your teeth, gums, and lips healthy.

If you ever have any questions about protecting your smile during Minnesota’s endless winter, Mint Orthodontics has your back.

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