Summertime is popular for travel, but what if you’re wearing braces? Are there any additional considerations to keep in mind when traveling with braces? Should you worry about getting through airport security? What if you wear Invisalign? Are there things to remember when traveling with Invisalign?
There are a few things to keep in mind when traveling with braces or traveling with aligners, but none of them should keep you from having a good time. Zombek Orthodontics offers a few helpful orthodontic travel tips to make your vacation a great one while keeping your orthodontic treatment on track.
The first step to a great vacation with braces is to schedule an orthodontic check-up before travel. We can check whether there might be any problems, such as a wire that could poke you or a bracket that might be slightly loose. We can replenish your braces rubber bands supply.
If you’re wearing Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, we can ensure you have enough sets to carry with you in case you need to change sets while you’re away.
We will do all we can to help you prepare for your vacation.
It’s a good idea to take a braces travel kit with you, not just for routine care but also for braces emergencies. Take this kit in your carry-on luggage in case any checked bags get lost.
You’ll need many of the same things for your Invisalign travel kit as you do for your braces travel kit.
In addition to the things you’ll need in the braces kit, you’ll want to add a couple of items for clear aligners. You’ll need aligner cleaning tablets to clean your clear aligners daily. If you don’t have any, it’s OK to use a solution of warm water and mild, clear hand soap. Be sure to rinse your aligners thoroughly afterward.
You should also carry two storage cases with you. One should store your clear aligners. The other should be a backup to hold your old aligners in case you switch to a new set during vacation. It can also serve as your main case in case you lose the other.
Remember, don’t throw away your old aligners if you switch to your new Invisalign trays while on vacation. You may need them if your new ones get lost or damaged.
What’s one of the best parts of visiting a new place? The food! We love trying new restaurants, foods, and drinks while on vacation. At Zombek Orthodontics, we want to encourage you to enjoy your vacation, and that includes trying new foods. Just be sure they fall within the rules for eating with braces.
Certain foods can damage your braces, and the last thing you want is a broken wire or popped bracket while on vacation. So, stay away from foods that are crunchy, sticky, chewy, and hard.
You should be careful of what you drink, too. Coffee, tea, dark sodas, red wines, and dark fruit juices can stain your teeth and clear braces over time. It’s OK to indulge once in a while as long as you rinse your mouth soon afterward to help prevent the stains from setting.
If you’re getting treatment with Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about these restrictions! Just be sure to rinse your mouth and clear aligners, and return them to your mouth as soon after eating as possible.
We do have a bonus tip: Drink lots of plain water! Water is not only good for your teeth and gums, but drinking water also helps you stay hydrated, allowing you to participate in all the fun activities you have planned. Water also helps keep your mouth moist, which keeps your teeth, gums, braces, or clear aligners cleaner. So drink lots of water!
No matter how well you plan a vacation, something is going to happen that isn’t part of the plan. What happens if you need emergency orthodontic care while on vacation?
Zombek Orthodontics has you covered. The first step is not to panic. The next step is to give us a call and explain the situation to us. We’ll be able to talk you through possible solutions. Hopefully, we can provide a temporary solution that will get you through the rest of your vacation without needing an emergency orthodontist visit.
Just in case, it wouldn’t hurt to research “orthodontist near me” once you arrive at your destination. That way, you have an idea where you might go should you need emergency treatment or repair. Look for an orthodontist who provides emergency care. We can work with whoever you find to get you the treatment you need.
A temporary fix may help you get back to your vacation without needing an orthodontist visit. Dental wax can cover a loose bracket or a poking wire. If the wire is poking out the back of your braces band, you may be able to trim it with a pair of nail clippers. We can talk you through it.
Finally, contact us as soon as you get home. We’ll get you into our Weston, FL, or Hollywood, FL, orthodontist office as soon as possible for any repairs.
We know you want to see the answer to the most important question: How do I get through a TSA checkpoint with all this metal?
Rest assured, your stainless steel braces shouldn’t set off the body scanners at the airport. On the off chance it does go off (because you never know what could set those things off), just give the TSA agent a big smile while they pass the wand over you. You should be good to go.
Vacation is supposed to be fun. Worrying about your braces or Invisalign shouldn’t take the fun out of your trip. That’s why we encourage you to be prepared for any braces or Invisalign needs when you travel. These tips should help you have clear sailing on your vacation.
If you have any problems, schedule an appointment with Zombek Orthodontics once you return. We can take care of any issues and get your treatment back on track.
This site’s strategy, design, photo & video were created by the marginally-above-average folks @ Clear Partnering Group.
