Traveling with braces can present some unique challenges, but with a little preparation and know-how, you can keep your treatment on track and enjoy your trip to the fullest. At Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, we want our patients to feel confident traveling with braces. There are some important things that Dr. Peter and Dr. Sarah want you to consider before you hit the road.
Plan Ahead and Pack Smart
The key to a smooth trip with braces is planning ahead. Well before your departure date, schedule a check-up with your orthodontist. They can ensure your braces are in good shape, address any issues, and even provide extra supplies you might need on your travels. When packing for your trip, put together a braces care kit with essential items:
- A travel toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss and/or interdental brushes
- Orthodontic wax to cover any protruding wires that may irritate your mouth
- Extra rubber bands
- A small mirror for checking your braces after meals
- Pain reliever in case of soreness
- Your orthodontist’s contact information
These readily available supplies will help you keep up with your oral hygiene routine and manage any braces-related discomfort while away from home.
Stick to Your Oral Hygiene Routine
It can be tempting to slack off on brushing and flossing when you’re out of your normal routine and busy with vacation activities. However, you must be diligent about your oral hygiene habits, especially with braces.
Brush your teeth thoroughly in the morning, evening, and after each meal. If you can’t brush right away, at least rinse your mouth out with water until you can brush properly. Don’t forget to floss at least once daily, using threaders to get the floss under your archwire. Keeping your teeth and braces clean will prevent cavities, gum disease, and staining around your brackets.
If you’re going on a long flight or road trip, brush your teeth before leaving and pack a travel toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on bag or car. Having these essentials on hand will make freshening up during your journey easy.
Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink
One of the joys of traveling is trying new foods, but with braces, you need to be somewhat selective. Avoid hard, chewy, crunchy, or sticky foods that damage your braces. These include things like:
- Nuts and hard candies
- Bagels, hard rolls, and crunchy breads
- Raw carrots and apples (unless cut into small pieces)
- Corn on the cob
- Caramel, taffy, gummy candies, and chewing gum
Opt for softer, braces-friendly foods that are gentle on your hardware. If you do indulge in a special treat, be extra careful and brush your teeth soon after.
Also, Dr. Sarah and Dr. Peter recommend being aware of sugary drinks like soda and sports drinks. The sugar can get stuck around your brackets, leading to tooth decay. Enjoy these beverages in moderation and use a straw to remove the sugar from your teeth. Water is always the best choice for staying hydrated, especially when traveling in hot weather or at high altitudes.
Protect Your Braces During Physical Activities
If your vacation involves sports or other physical activities, take steps to protect your mouth and braces from injury. Depending on the activity, you may need to wear a mouthguard. Special mouthguards are made for braces that fit over your brackets and wires. Talk to your orthodontist before your trip and have them fit you for a mouthguard if needed.
Even non-contact activities like swimming can pose a risk if you’re not careful. Avoid diving into pools or playing rough pool games where you could hit your mouth. If you’re swimming in the ocean, be mindful of strong waves that could cause you to fall and injure your braces.
Know What to Do in Case of an Orthodontic Emergency
Hopefully, your trip will go off without a hitch, but it’s good to be prepared for an orthodontic emergency just in case. True emergencies are rare, but you could experience issues like a broken bracket, poking wire, or lost separator. While these problems are unlikely to ruin your trip, they can be uncomfortable.
If a bracket comes loose, try to reattach it with orthodontic wax and call your orthodontist as soon as possible. Cover a protruding wire with wax and tuck it in with a blunt object like a pencil eraser or spoon handle until you can see an orthodontist. A lost separator isn’t an emergency, but let your orthodontist know so they can determine if it needs to be replaced.
Most orthodontic issues can be temporarily resolved until you get home, but look up orthodontists at your destination in case you need to be seen. Our team at Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry may also be able to recommend someone.
Stay on Track with Your Treatment
Don’t let traveling interfere with your overall orthodontic treatment plan. If you wear elastics or other removable components, continue using them as directed, even if it’s inconvenient. The same goes for any at-home treatments like clear aligners. You should keep up with wearing your aligners for the prescribed amount each day, even when you’re away from your normal routine.
If you will be gone for an extended period, let your orthodontist know in advance. They may need to adjust your treatment schedule or provide additional supplies.
Adventure Awaits – Don’t Let Braces Hold You Back!
You’ve got places to go and people to see. We get it. At Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Sycamore, IL, we’re all about creating confident smiles, and we don’t think braces should keep you from exploring the world.
Before you pack your bags, swing by our office for a quick check-up. We’ll ensure your braces are travel-ready and hook you up with all the supplies and tips you need to keep your smile on track, no matter where your journey takes you. Call us, schedule your pre-travel appointment with Dr. Sarah or Dr. Peter, and prepare to make some unforgettable memories.