Tips for Traveling with Invisalign or Braces

The season of hitting the road or boarding a plane to visit loved ones is here. With the holidays solidly here, many families are preparing to visit friends and relatives. If you or your kids currently have braces or Invisalign, you’ll need to plan ahead to make your time of traveling a success.

Make a List of Braces or Invisalign Supplies

The last thing you want to do when traveling with braces is to forget any essential tools for your braces or Invisalign aligners. Be sure to make a list of everything you need and cross items off as you pack them. Things to bring for braces include mouthwash, floss threader, dental wax, soft snacks you can eat, and of course, your toothbrush and toothpaste.

If you have Invisalign, don’t forget your case or any soaking solution if you use it, and be sure to remember to wear your trays when you walk out the door. If you will be gone for an extended period of time, taking your previous or next set of aligners is also a good idea in case something happens to your current set.

Keep Your Supplies Safe

Traveling can increase the chances of items getting lost, so be sure to carefully watch over the supplies you bring with you. In particular, you’ll need to be careful with what you do with your Invisalign aligners. Keep track of where you put them when you take them out and make sure not to leave them near heat.

If you are traveling to a house with dogs or puppies, be extra watchful and keep them out of their reach since the cases can often look like little dog toys. Make sure you keep your aligners in their case at meals instead of on a napkin, or else they may blend in and mistakenly get tossed in the trash by a relative who doesn’t realize what they are.

Know the Menu Before You Go

If you’re traveling for the holidays, it most likely means eating food other people are preparing. Don’t be shy about requesting soft foods that you or your kids can safely eat if you have braces. Indulge in the pumpkin pie, but avoid any pies with crunchy nuts. Similarly, stick to soft cookies or brownies instead of hard or chewy candy. It also helps to offer to bring a side dish or a dessert that will be safe for braces that everyone can share.

If you have ceramic braces, you’ll want to stay away from the cranberry sauce and other dark-colored foods that can easily stain your brackets. And as always, keep up with regular cleaning to avoid plaque buildup around your brackets and in between your teeth.

Get a Check Up

It helps to make an appointment shortly before you leave to make sure everything is in order, especially if you are traveling a considerable distance. We’ll make sure your braces and teeth are in good shape and fix any issues we find. This way, you’ll be ready to enjoy your holiday vacation without worrying about your aligners or braces.

To learn more about traveling with braces or to get started on treatment, schedule an appointment at Dabney Orthodontics today!