Spring break is almost here! If your family is anything like the hundreds we serve at Bisig + Chermak + Rudnicke Orthodontics, that means road trips, hikes, and plenty of time outdoors. It also means a break from routine — which can sometimes lead to orthodontic mishaps. We’ve created this guide to help your spring break go smoothly. Plus, we’re sharing our favorite local kid activities and spring community events that are happening right here at home.
Pack a Braces Emergency Kit Before You Leave Town
The most important thing before spring break: pack a small orthodontic emergency kit. Include orthodontic wax (the MVP), a soft-bristled toothbrush, interdental brushes, floss threaders or a compact water flosser, a small dental mirror and flashlight, and our office phone number.
Smart Food Choices on Spring Break for Braces Wearer
Think soft, not sticky. Great safe choices: pasta, soft tacos, yogurt parfaits, smoothies, soft fish and chicken, rice, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pancakes, and soft fruits. Avoid boardwalk taffy, caramel apples, corn on the cob, and hard pretzels.
How to Handle Common Braces Emergencies Away from Home
For a poking wire, apply orthodontic wax immediately. For a loose bracket, apply wax and call our office when you return. For significant swelling or signs of infection, seek local urgent care immediately.
🍽️ BCR’s Pre-Spring-Break Local Restaurant Picks
Before you hit the road, send the family off right with an amazing local meal:
⭐ Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro
📍 878 W Fourth St, Winston-Salem (Historic West End)
Try: Tomato pie, shrimp & grits, creamy succotash
Why it works: A true Winston-Salem institution for over 20 years. Their famous tomato pie has a soft, custardy filling in a tender crust. The shrimp and grits are silky and rich. All proteins are fork-tender — Southern comfort food at its very best, and almost entirely brace-safe when ordered thoughtfully.
⭐ Village Tavern
📍 221 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem (plus Hanes Mall)
Try: French onion soup, shrimp & grits, grilled meatloaf
Why it works: The original Village Tavern has been a Winston-Salem landmark since 1984. Their soups are rich and warming, proteins are fork-tender, and there are enough soft sides to satisfy any braces wearer. A pre-spring-break family dinner on the patio is an unbeatable tradition.
⭐ Krankies
📍 211 E. Third St, Winston-Salem
Try: Soft biscuit sandwiches, scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies
Why it works: For a spring break morning sendoff, Krankies is a WS favorite. Made-from-scratch biscuits are soft and pillowy when fresh. Scrambled eggs, yogurt, and fruit are completely braces-safe. The coffee is roasted in-house.
🌸 BCR in the Community: Spring Adventures in Our Backyard
Before your family heads out of town for spring break, consider these incredible local adventures. We’re proud to live and practice in an area where a world-class spring outing is always just a short drive away.
🎯 Pilot Mountain State Park
📍 1792 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle (24 miles north of WS — 30 min from King)
What to do: The iconic 1,400-foot quartzite monadnock is one of the most dramatic views in NC. The Jomeokee Trail (moderate, 2-mile loop around the pinnacle base) is perfect for ages 8–16, and the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Piedmont are unforgettable. Rock climbing, camping, and the Yadkin River section for paddling and fishing are also available. Ranger-led programs run throughout the spring.
BCR Ortho tip: Pilot Mountain is one of our favorite BCR family recommendations! Bring water, pack soft snacks (trail mix WITHOUT hard nuts for braces wearers — dried mango or soft granola works great), and wear your retainer after treatment is complete.
🎯 Airbound Trampoline Park
📍 7840 Point Blvd, Winston-Salem
What to do: The Triad’s largest trampoline park — perfect for spring break energy. Open jump trampolines, dodgeball arena, foam pit, slam dunk zone, ninja obstacle course, and aerial silks. Teens especially love the After Dark glow jump on weekend evenings (black lights, lasers, music). On weekends, the park fills up fast — book in advance.
BCR Ortho tip: High-energy fun that is completely safe for braces wearers! The only thing to watch: bring a water bottle (not sports drinks with sugar) and rinse after any snacks at the concession stand.
🎉 RiverRun International Film Festival
🗓 April (annual) 📍 Various downtown Winston-Salem venues
One of the fastest-growing regional film festivals in the U.S., RiverRun brings independent films, industry guests, and exciting screenings to downtown WS every spring. There are family-friendly films in the lineup, and attending is a wonderful way to experience the arts scene that makes Winston-Salem the “City of Arts & Innovation.” BCR loves seeing our community come alive for this event!
FAQ: Spring Break and Braces
Orthodontic wax, extra rubber bands, a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, floss threaders, and our office number: smileland.com.
Anything crunchy, chewy, or sticky. Opt for soft proteins, steamed vegetables, pasta, rice dishes, and soft desserts.
Safe travels from all of us at BCR Orthodontics! Schedule your post-break check-up at smileland.com — Winston-Salem, Clemmons, or King.
