Tips for Traveling with Braces or Aligners
Nothing beats the excitement of making travel plans for a highly anticipated vacation! However, along with the thrill comes the responsibility for individuals actively undergoing orthodontic treatment, especially those with braces or aligners. At Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics, we recognize the importance of maintaining your orthodontic routine, even while traveling. Our team is committed to offering the best care at your utmost convenience to ensure the success of your treatment. Here are some of our top recommendations for maintaining your treatment while on vacation.
Plan Ahead
Before you travel, take the time to ensure you have everything you need to maintain your normal orthodontic routine. Pack a travel kit containing essentials like orthodontic wax, a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and interdental brushes to keep your braces or aligners clean and comfortable throughout your trip.
Pro Tip: Consider including a portable water flosser in your kit. This handy tool is an excellent way to maintain your oral hygiene while on the go, effectively dislodging food particles and plaque from around braces or aligners and ensuring your smile stays fresh and clean without the hassle of multiple flossing tools.
Stay Hydrated
Travel often involves changes in climate and altitude, which can impact your oral health, particularly when wearing braces. We recommend drinking plenty of water to prevent dry mouth, which causes discomfort. Carry a water bottle with you and make it a habit to stay hydrated, especially during long flights or road trips.
Stick to Your Oral Hygiene Routine
It’s important to stick to your regular oral hygiene routine while traveling. Brush your teeth after every meal and snack to remove food particles and plaque that can accumulate around your braces or aligners. Bring a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste for convenience, and consider using an interdental brush to clean between brackets and wires effectively.
Pack Orthodontic Essentials
In addition to your travel kit, remember to pack extra orthodontic supplies such as elastics, aligner cases, and a travel-sized mirror to check your braces or aligners periodically. Having these essentials on hand will ensure you can address any issues or emergencies that may arise during your travels and maintain your orthodontic treatment effectively.
Schedule a Checkup Before and After Your Trip
Arrange a checkup with your orthodontist before and after your trip to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned. Your orthodontist can make any necessary adjustments to your braces or aligners and provide personalized recommendations for maintaining your orthodontic routine while traveling.
Traveling with braces or aligners doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. By planning ahead, staying hydrated, sticking to your oral hygiene routine, choosing travel-friendly foods, packing orthodontic essentials, and scheduling checkups before and after your trip, you can maintain your orthodontic care effectively and enjoy your travels with confidence.
At Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive orthodontic care to patients of all ages. If you have any questions or concerns about traveling with braces or aligners, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to support you every step of the way on your smile journey.
Running low on elastics or in need of items for your travel kit? Remember that you can always stop by any Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics location to pick up all of your essentials! Visit our website for more information.