Summer break is in full swing! Kids are out of school, the days are long, and people are taking advantage of this time to finally travel. Going on vacation will naturally come with a change in routine. Here is some handy information for when you are in orthodontic treatment and are traveling with braces & clear aligners.
Orthodontic Travel Care Routine
For patients with clear aligners, you may find that you are not wearing the aligners for the full 21hrs/day. If this is the case, make sure to add a few extra days of wear per aligner. Also be sure to use chewies more frequently than normal. This will help you stay on track and give your teeth a chance to catch up. If you lose an aligner, go to the next one. Stay in the next aligner for a few extra days, using the chewies very frequently.
Orthodontic Braces Travel Checklist:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Floss threader/superfloss
- Wax
- Interdental brush
- Travel Waterpik – This cordless one is not as strong as the corded Waterpik you may use at home. However, we find that it is still effective in removing plaque between teeth for the short term.
- Elastics/rubber bands (if your orthodontist has instructed you to wear them)
Clear Aligner Travel Checklist:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Current aligner
- Aligner case – Please do not wrap your aligners in a napkin during meals. You WILL throw it away or lose it!
- Next aligners
- Chewies
- Elastics/rubber bands (if your orthodontist has instructed you to wear them)
- Travel Waterpik – This cordless one is not as strong as the corded Waterpik you may use at home. However, we find that it is still effective in removing plaque between teeth for the short term.
Emergencies while Traveling with Braces & Clear Aligners
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
To avoid broken braces and emergencies, make sure to follow your dietary restrictions while on vacation. Taking care of emergencies while on vacation is very similar to taking care of emergencies while at home. Follow our FAQ to learn more.
If anything happens while you are away, give our Vacaville office a call at (707) 474-4707 or message us so we may schedule you for a quick comfort visit when you return. In the meantime, use wax for anything that is poking.