Tips for Travelling With Braces

Summer is upon us and you’ve got your bags packed! But wait, do you need to bring anything in particular while away?

If you are planning on travelling with braces or Invisalign, let Dr. Brent Douglas know in advance. This way he can make sure you’re scheduled for an appointment either close to when you’re leaving or when you return in order to make adjustments and check your progress. We can also give you your next set of Invisalign aligners if you’ll be swapping them out while you’re away. If you’re having any issues, taking care of them before departing will make for a much more enjoyable trip.

Put Together a Travel Kit

You pack your clothes and toiletries so it only makes sense you’d also set aside room in your bag for your oral hygiene necessities. Here some suggestions for what to pack in your orthodontic kit:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Dental wax
• Dental floss
• Floss threaders
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Small mirror
• Nail clippers
• New Invisalign aligners if you’ll be changing them
• Your Invisalign/retainer case

Handling Orthodontic “Emergencies” on Vacation

Usually, you’ll make it back from a trip with your braces intact and everything will be fine. Occasionally, however, a problem can arise. Don’t let it stand in your way of having a fantastic time. Stay calm and follow our tips to temporarily handle the situation. Call us so we can schedule you for a repair appointment, if necessary, when you return.

• Sensitive Teeth – If you just got your braces put on, you changed to a new set of Invisalign aligners, or had an adjustment right before leaving, your teeth could be slightly sensitive. Try sipping on cold drinks and eat softer foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes until the discomfort goes away. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
• Broken or Loose Bracket – If you experience a broken or loose bracket, dry the area off with a tissue, tear off a little piece of your dental wax, warm it between your fingers, roll it into a ball, and stick it over the bracket so it doesn’t irritate you. If a long piece of wire is left behind, wash and sterilize nail clippers with alcohol and carefully clip off the excess.
• Poking Wire –Try to push the wire out of the way with the eraser end of a pencil or the back of a spoon. If that doesn’t work, or it’s still poking you, dry it off with a tissue and again place a small piece of dental wax over it to stop the poking. If it’s a long piece of wire leftover after removing a broken bracket, use sterilized nail clippers to carefully snip it.
• Irritation – Sometimes, particularly when you first get braces, they may irritate your lips or cheeks. You can use your dental wax to cover any brackets or wires that are bothering you. You can also soothe your mouth by making a saltwater rinse. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish it around in your mouth, and then spit it out. Repeat this throughout the day as needed.

Remember, if you have a retainer or removable appliance and it’s not in your mouth, it should be put IMMEDIATELY into your retainer case. Make sure your name, phone number, and address is written on top so it can be returned to you in case of loss.

As you can see, packing the right supplies, keeping your appliances and teeth clean, and knowing how to deal with any issues are the keys to successfully travelling orthodontics. Straightening your teeth doesn’t have to put a damper on your lifestyle or adventurous spirit! If you ever have any questions, even while you’re on holiday, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help!