By Dr. Kim Smith | Smile Suite Orthodontics, Evanston IL
School may be out for the summer, but your smile is still in session — and looking better every day! ☀️
At Smile Suite Orthodontics, we know that summer is the perfect time for our younger patients (and even the young at heart) to enjoy new experiences, gain confidence, and make lasting memories — all while working on that perfect smile.
So before you pack your backpack again, here’s a Smile-Approved Bucket List of fun, feel-good, braces-friendly activities to check off before the school bell rings this fall.
📸 1. Take a “Glow-Up” Progress Photo
Whether you just got braces, are mid-treatment, or just switched aligner trays — take a summer selfie!
Pro tip: Use the same angle and lighting as your “before” pic to track your transformation.
🍦 2. Try Every Flavor of Soft-Serve Ice Cream
Vanilla, chocolate, swirl… and maybe a surprise seasonal flavor or two. Just make sure it’s soft-serve or spoon-friendly — no waffle cones or candy mix-ins!
🏖️ 3. Have a Braces-Friendly Beach Day
Pack:
- Your ortho kit (floss picks, mirror, toothbrush)
- A soft sandwich or smoothie
- Lots of water
Take in the sun, splash in the waves, and take a sandy selfie — just leave the popcorn at home.
🎡 4. Go to a Fair or Festival
Funnel cake? Yes. Cotton candy? Also yes.
Corn on the cob or caramel apples? Not this time — but you can still enjoy the rides and fun!
Evanston, Skokie, and nearby towns have great summer events — check out local calendars for family-friendly ones.
🛍️ 5. Build a Back-to-School Retainer Case Kit
If you’re finishing up treatment or using aligners, treat yourself to a cute new retainer case! Customize it with stickers, glitter, or your favorite character.
Add in:
- Travel toothbrush
- Flossers
- A mini mirror
- Wax
You’ll be ready for the lunchroom and after-school snacks.
🎨 6. Host a DIY T-Shirt or Tie-Dye Day
Let your creativity shine! Gather some friends and make custom shirts with braces jokes, your favorite colors, or “Team Smile” vibes. Perfect for end-of-summer parties or a back-to-school outfit.
🦷 7. Learn One New Smile-Safe Snack Recipe
Try making something delicious that’s also gentle on your teeth — like:
- Yogurt parfaits
- Mashed sweet potato nachos
- Soft rice bowls
- Smoothie popsicles
Post your recipe and tag us — we’d love to see your creation!
🏆 8. Set a “Retainer Challenge” (For Aligner Patients Too!)
Wear it as directed — no excuses — for 7 days straight. Reward yourself with a mini treat, new lip gloss, or extra screen time. It’s the little wins that keep your smile on track.
💌 9. Send a Smile to Someone Else
Make a card or a care package for a friend, teacher, coach, or even a grandparent. Let them know you’re thinking of them — and show off that awesome handwriting and that confident new grin.
🪩 10. Dance It Out with Your “Smile Glow-Up” Playlist
Make a playlist that hypes you up. Think:
- “Confident” – Demi Lovato
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake
- “Good as Hell” – Lizzo
- “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves
Blast it while brushing your teeth or cleaning your aligners — make it a party!
🗓️ Bonus: Book Your Back-to-School Ortho Visit
August gets busy, so don’t forget to schedule your next check-in with us! We’ll help make sure everything’s on track before your first day.
Call or text us at Smile Suite Orthodontics at 2422 Main St, Evanston, IL
We’ll even help you check “clean smile” off your bucket list. ✔️
Tag us @SmileSuiteOrtho and use #SmileSuiteSummer
We’d love to see what you’re up to before school starts — and cheer on your summer glow-up! 😎
