Summer Travel Guide: Braces Edition

Austin Orthodontic Arts has prepared a Summer Travel Guide: Braces Edition! Everyone knows that summer is in full swing. Folks are catching some rays at the beach or lounging by the pool. No matter what you’re doing, you’re likely heading out of town. Dr. Naj, Dr. Salome, and Dr. Hime are here to tell you what you need to know about traveling with braces. No matter where you’re headed when you leave Austin, here are some braces travel tips you can take with you anywhere!

Preparing for Your Trip

Before you head out on your summer getaway, we suggest taking a few proactive steps. Even when traveling, keep your braces treatment on track. We want you to have a great time! But we want a successful treatment even more!

Start by packing a braces care kit. Include all the essentials: orthodontic wax, floss threaders, a travel toothbrush, and toothpaste. They’ll come in handy for good oral hygiene while you’re away from home.

Additionally, consider scheduling a pre-travel check-up with Dr. Naj, Dr. Salome, or Dr. Hime. Our team can address any concerns and confirm that everything’s in tip-top shape before you hit the road. Planning ahead will help you enjoy a worry-free vacation without stressing about your braces.

Eating Well on the Go

Remember when we said we wanted you to have fun? It’s true. But just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you can slack on your treatment. Sticking to a braces-friendly diet while traveling will keep unwanted foods from sticking to your braces. Your treatment should progress, regardless of the season. Here are some tips for eating well on the go:

Choose Braces-Friendly Snacks

Opt for soft, easy-to-eat snacks that won’t damage your braces. Look for yogurt, string cheese, and sliced fruits like bananas or grapes.

Pack pre-cut veggies like carrots or cucumbers for a crunchy but braces-safe snack option.

Stay away from chewy, sticky, or hard foods. Nuts, candies, or granola bars can damage your braces. Beach or no beach, they’re equal-opportunity offenders!

Find Braces-Friendly Meals

Look for restaurants that offer acceptable meal options, such as grilled chicken or fish, soft pasta dishes, or soups.

When ordering sandwiches or burgers, choose options with softer fillings like grilled vegetables or thinly sliced meats.

Ask your server for recommendations on braces-friendly menu items, and don’t hesitate to customize your order to suit your needs.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water while you’re traveling. It will help keep your mouth hydrated. Plus, it rinses away food particles that may get stuck in your braces (blek!).

Carry a refillable water bottle with you to stay hydrated while you’re on the go.

Keeping Your Braces Clean

You’ve got to stay healthy on the go. And that goes for your braces, too! You’re on vacation, but your braces aren’t. They work 24/7, 365 to get you a smile that’s brighter than the July sunshine. Here are some tips to help you keep your braces sparkling clean on the go:

Brush Regularly

Brush your teeth after every meal. That goes for snacks, too.

We suggest a soft-bristled toothbrush for the pool party. Also, invest in some fluoride toothpaste.

Floss Daily

Flossing with braces has a learning curve, but it removes plaque and debris from between teeth and around braces. Throw them out with last year’s swimwear.

Have trouble? We recommend a floss threader. Alternatively, you can try orthodontic floss.

Use Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax can help relieve any discomfort from poking wires or rough brackets.
Braces bothering you? Use a small amount of wax to help ease any irritation or rubbing against your gums or cheeks.

Carry Travel-Sized Oral Care Products

Pack travel-sized oral care products such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your braces care kit for easy access while you’re on the go.

Consider using a portable water flosser or interdental brushes for added convenience.

Dealing with Emergencies

We hope that your summer travels are smooth sailing. But you’ve got to prepare for any orthodontic emergencies that may arise while you’re away from home. Here’s how to handle common braces-related issues on the go:

Broken Bracket or Wire

If a bracket becomes loose or a wire breaks, use orthodontic wax. It’ll help secure any protruding wires and prevent them from irritating your mouth.

Avoid cutting or trimming the wire yourself. Why? It could make the damage worse.

Contact our office ASAP to make an appointment for a braces repair. We take vacations, too, but we’re still here to help during emergencies.

Discomfort or Soreness

If you experience discomfort or soreness from your braces while traveling, take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to help alleviate any pain.

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Salt water soothes sore gums or cheeks.

Lost or Damaged Appliances

If you lose or damage a removable appliance, such as a retainer or aligner, call us for guidance on how to proceed. Your appliance might have left you hanging, but we won’t!

Avoid attempting to adjust or repair the appliance yourself.

Braces from Austin Orthodontic Arts

You deserve to have amazing summer adventures with braces. Remember that Austin Orthodontic Arts is here to support you no matter which coast you’ve traveled to. Dr. Naj, Dr. Salome, and Dr. Hime, along with our team, remain dedicated—even during summer vacations. Still have questions on what braces can do for you? Visit us here to schedule your free consultation at our Austin office and make your summer even brighter!

Posted by Austin Orthodontic Arts