Traveling with Invisalign®, Braces, or Retainers: A Summer Travel Guide for Patients
Summer is the season for vacations, road trips, camp, and family adventures. If you're traveling with braces, Invisalign®, or a retainer, a little preparation can help keep your orthodontic treatment on track.
What to Pack for Braces, Clear Aligners, and Retainers
Before you leave, pack a small orthodontic travel kit so you're prepared wherever your summer takes you.
If you wear braces, bring:
Orthodontic wax
Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
Floss or floss threaders
Any rubber bands (elastics) you've been instructed to wear
If you wear clear aligners, pack:
Your current aligners
Your next set of aligners (if you'll be due to switch while you're away)
Your aligner case
Aligner cleaning supplies
If you wear a retainer, don't forget:
Your retainer case
Cleaning supplies
Keep aligners and retainers out of direct sunlight or a hot car, as excessive heat can warp the plastic. And remember, a napkin is not a retainer case! Retainers accidentally wrapped in napkins and thrown away are one of the most common summer orthodontic emergencies.
Pro Tip: Not sure what counts as an emergency versus something that can wait? Check out our guide on How to Handle Common Orthodontic Emergencies before your trip so you’ll know exactly what to do if something doesn’t go as planned when you’re away from our office.
Stay Consistent with Your Treatment
Vacation schedules can be unpredictable, but consistency is what keeps treatment moving forward.
Braces patients: Continue wearing your elastics exactly as instructed, even while traveling.
Clear aligner patients: Wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, removing them only to eat, drink anything besides water, and brush your teeth. If your routine changes because of travel or different time zones, setting a reminder on your phone can help.
Retainer patients: Keep wearing your retainer as directed, even if you're sleeping somewhere different each night. Missing several days can allow teeth to begin shifting.
Enjoy Summer Foods Without Damaging Your Smile
Summer favorites can sometimes be tough on orthodontic appliances.
If you have braces, avoid:
Corn on the cob (cut the kernels off instead)
Caramel or taffy
Hard pretzels
Ice
Other hard or sticky foods that can bend wires or loosen brackets
If you wear clear aligners: Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Rinse them before putting them back in.
Pro Tip: Great braces-friendly summer foods include grilled chicken, fish, watermelon (cut into bite-sized pieces), soft fruits like peaches and berries, yogurt, pasta salad, and frozen yogurt.
Keep Your Smile Clean While You’re Away
Travel often means eating on the go, so maintaining good oral hygiene is more important than ever.
Braces patients: Brush after meals whenever possible and floss daily. A travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste make it easy to clean your teeth wherever you are.
Clear aligner patients: Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water and gently brush them each day to help keep them fresh and clear.
Retainer patients: Clean your retainer regularly according to Dr. Cline’s instructions and always store it safely when it's not being worn.
A few extra minutes each day can help prevent plaque buildup, staining, and unwanted odors while you're traveling.
Travel with Confidence
Whether you're heading to the beach, the mountains, summer camp, or visiting family, a little planning goes a long way. Packing the right supplies, sticking to your treatment routine, and making smart food choices will help keep your orthodontic treatment progressing on schedule.
If you have questions before your trip or experience an orthodontic issue while you're away, we're always here to help. Simply call or text All Star Orthodontics at (804) 419-6788.
Have a safe, fun-filled summer and keep smiling!