As summer approaches, we know many of our patients transition from thinking about school to planning fun travel. Before you solidify your travel plans, consider what you will need to travel with if you have braces or clear aligners.

We receive many questions about traveling with braces. From what to do in a braces emergency to making it through airport security, there is a lot to think about. What if you are traveling with clear aligners? There are extra factors to consider with Invisalign.

Petrous Orthodontics offers a few travel tips for patients with braces and those wearing clear aligners. These tips will help make your vacation safer and your orthodontic treatment worry-free while traveling.

Preparing for Traveling With Braces

The first step you should take before traveling with braces or Invisalign is to contact your orthodontist. If you’re going to be away for a week or more or traveling abroad, it may not be a bad idea to see us before you go.

We’ll check to ensure everything is in tip-top shape before you go. We can supply the following sets of clear aligners if you plan to change out your aligners during your trip. If you are wearing braces, we’ll ensure you don’t have any wires poking you or loose brackets. We can change out your braces elastics and supply you with some extra braces rubber bands, if you need them.

At Petrous Orthodontics, we’ll do everything possible to ensure your orthodontic treatment stays on track while you’re away and remains as worry-free as possible.

What Should Go on a Vacation With Braces?

Just like with everything else, you should plan for every contingency when traveling with braces. Take the essentials, but don’t forget a few extras “just in case.”

Here is what you should pack for your braces travel kit on vacation:

• Manual or travel toothbrush: Just in case you won’t be somewhere to charge an electric toothbrush.
  
• Fluoride toothpaste: A travel size should last you at least a week. Take more if you will be gone for longer, but a full-size toothpaste tube isn’t allowed by airport security (or anything more than 3.4 oz.).
  
• Mouthwash: Use a travel-size product that contains less than 3.4 oz. of liquid. A fluoride mouthwash would be ideal, but any antibacterial mouthwash will also be beneficial.
  
• Dental floss: A regular-sized container is sufficient.
  
• Floss threaders: Whether separate or included on the dental floss, don’t forget these so you can properly floss your teeth with braces.
  
• Proximal brush: To help with flossing and removing food particles from around your braces brackets.
  
• Braces rubber bands: Take an extra package of orthodontic elastic bands with you so you don’t run out while on vacation.
  
• Braces wax: Dental wax is a valuable tool to have on hand in case your braces irritate your mouth. Orthodontic wax can also be used to cover an unexpected popped wire or bracket until you can get it repaired.
  

It’s also a good idea to pack a small mirror to help with oral hygiene on the go and make it easier to spot any issues while you're away. If you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, consider including a travel-size toothbrush and rinsing your mouth regularly to remove food particles.

Take these items with you in your carry-on luggage, just in case your checked bags are lost or delayed. That way, you'll always have your braces supplies, no matter what!

How to Travel With Invisalign

What if you’re getting orthodontic treatment with clear aligners instead of braces? You’ll need to make a few adjustments to your care kit when traveling with Invisalign.

You’ll want the same basics: manual toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, orthodontic wax, and mouthwash. But you’ll need a few different things for aligner travel care.

• Storage case: Bring your regular storage case, but bring an extra aligner case just in case you damage or lose the first one. You’ll need to make sure your aligners are protected throughout your trip.
  
• Cleaner tablets: You’ll need to keep your clear aligners clean, so be sure to bring cleaner tablets with you. If you’re on vacation and can’t get clear aligner tablets, you can use denture cleanser as long as it is NON-ABRASIVE (nothing that says “scrubbing” on it!). You can also use a solution of soap, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or vinegar with warm water. Just rinse them well.
  
• Extra set of clear aligners: If you change your sets weekly, take an additional week’s set with you, just in case your return is delayed.
  

If you change out your clear aligners while on vacation, don’t throw out the old ones. You may need them if something happens to your current aligners.

Here are a few safety tips for Invisalign to remember while you’re on vacation:

• Keep your old aligners
• Keep your clear aligners away from heat (hot cars, direct sunlight, etc.)
• Store your clear aligners in a proper storage container.
• Never wrap your clear aligners in a napkin (too easy to throw them away accidentally!)
• Rinse your clear aligners after removal and before placing them back in your mouth.
• Take a bottle of water to rinse clear aligners if you won’t be near running water.
  

Clear aligners are a significant part of your treatment plan, so wearing them consistently and keeping them clean is essential, even when traveling. If you remove your aligners to eat, don’t forget to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth before putting them back in. This helps remove food particles and prevent buildup. Wearing braces or aligners may take some extra planning, but staying prepared will help you stay on track.

Drinking and Eating With Braces on Vacation

One of the best parts of being on vacation is enjoying the area’s food and drinks! We want you to experience the local cuisine, but you’ll also need to follow the rules for eating with your braces in place.

Stay away from foods that are:

• Crunchy
• Sticky
• Chewy
• Hard
  

Dark drinks, which can stain teeth or clear aligners, should be avoided or used in moderation, including coffee, tea, dark sodas, red wine, dark fruit juices, and chocolate drinks. If you drink these, be sure to rinse your teeth soon after to avoid stains.

One thing you can drink: Water! Drinking plenty of water not only makes your vacation easier to endure physically, but it also keeps your mouth healthy and rinses your teeth and gums. Drink plain water whenever you can, or take it with you if it isn’t readily available.

What to Do for a Braces Emergency While Traveling

We hope you have a great, accident-free vacation. But we all know that sometimes life is very…life-ish. Just in case something happens and you need emergency orthodontic care, Petrous Orthodontics has you covered.

Step 1: Have our number in your phone so you can call us right away. We can determine whether you need to see someone right away, or we can provide temporary fixes that will be sufficient to get you back home and to our office for repairs.
Step 2: Research “orthodontists near me” when you reach your destination. That way, you have an idea of where to go in case you need immediate treatment or repair. It helps to find an orthodontist who states they are available for braces emergencies. We can work with them to get treatment for you if necessary.
Step 3: Have items on hand that can assist with temporary repairs. A pair of nail clippers can clip off a wire poking you in the back. Dental wax can cover a loose bracket or broken wire. These items can help keep your vacation on track.
Step 4: Contact us as soon as you return home. We can set up an appointment to bring you in for any necessary repairs.

Orthodontic emergencies while traveling are rare, but being prepared gives you peace of mind. It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment before you leave if you’re unsure about anything or want your orthodontist to inspect your appliances. If something does happen, drinking plenty of water and maintaining your normal brushing routine can help until you receive professional care.

Airport Security and Braces

Now, we’re going to answer the questions so many of our patients have about traveling with braces: Will my braces set off the airport security scanner alarms?

The short answer is NO. Your teeth won’t be the ones being tackled by TSA at the airport. Rest assured. Just in case the alarms do go off, flash a big smile for the wand scanners, and you’ll be fine!

Traveling With Braces or Invisalign

Summer is a great time to take trips and explore new places, but it's essential to keep your orthodontic care on track. Be prepared for any event, but don’t worry about your treatment. Petrous Orthodontics will still be here for you once you return for braces treatment in Royal Oak, MI!