Traveling can be an amazing and exciting adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or an extended business trip. But if you’re in orthodontic treatment, hitting the road with braces or Invisalign takes a little extra preparation. The good news? With the right tips and tools, you can enjoy your trip without derailing your smile progress.
At 303 Smiles, Dr. Derek Straffon and our team help patients in Greenwood Village, Centennial, Littleton, and Englewood achieve healthier, more confident smiles using personalized orthodontic treatment. We know that life doesn’t pause during treatment, so here are our top tips for keeping your braces or Invisalign protected and your smile on schedule while you travel.
Pack a Travel-Ready Orthodontic Kit
When you’re away from home, you won’t always have easy access to the tools you need to care for your smile. That’s why we recommend packing a small, travel-friendly orthodontic kit with essentials before you hit the road or board a plane, and set aside a small kit with essentials to care for your braces or Invisalign:
- Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste: Perfect for quick cleanups between meals.
- Floss or interdental brushes: Essential for removing food particles stuck between brackets or around aligners.
- Orthodontic wax: A lifesaver for covering poking wires or irritating brackets.
- Invisalign cleaning crystals or tablets: Keep aligners fresh and free of buildup.
- A protective case: Never toss aligners or retainers into a napkin; they’re too easy to lose.
- A compact mirror: Great for quick checks after eating or adjusting aligners on the go.
Having these tools handy will make it much easier to stay consistent, no matter where your travels take you.
Plan Ahead for Snacks and Meals
One of the biggest challenges when traveling is navigating unfamiliar foods, restaurants, and schedules. We want you to know that you can still enjoy delicious meals without compromising your treatment, even if you’re on a beach or exploring a new city.
If You Have Braces
Braces are durable, but certain foods can damage brackets or bend wires, especially when you’re away from home:
- Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods like caramel, nuts, popcorn, and crunchy candies.
- Choose soft, braces-friendly snacks like yogurt, pasta, bananas, scrambled eggs, or smoothies.
- Carry a small water bottle to rinse your mouth when brushing isn’t possible.
If You Have Invisalign
With Invisalign, you have more flexibility, but you still need to plan ahead:
- Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water.
- Keep your aligner case handy to avoid accidentally losing them.
- Pack travel-size aligner cleaning supplies to keep trays fresh after meals.
Stick to Your Daily Routine
Travel can throw off your usual schedule, but staying consistent is critical for keeping your treatment on track.
- Braces patients should brush and floss after every meal whenever possible. If that’s not realistic, rinse with water and brush thoroughly when you can.
- Invisalign patients need to wear aligners 20–22 hours per day, even during flights, road trips, or sightseeing. Skipping wear time can delay your results.
- Set a reminder on your phone to switch aligners if you’re scheduled for a new set while away.
Be Prepared for Orthodontic Emergencies
Sometimes wires poke, brackets break, or an aligner gets lost while traveling. Here’s what to do:
- Braces patients: Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges and call 303 Smiles when you return to schedule a fix.
- Invisalign patients: Always bring your previous and next sets of aligners just in case one is misplaced.
We also recommend saving our office number in your phone so you can reach out for guidance if needed.
Handle Emergencies Like a Pro
No one wants to deal with orthodontic issues on vacation, but they can happen. Here’s what to do if problems arise:
- Loose or broken brackets: Cover with orthodontic wax to protect your mouth and call us when you return.
- Poking wires: Use a cotton swab, eraser tip, or wax to secure it temporarily.
- Lost aligners: Always travel with your previous and next sets so you can stay on schedule if something goes missing.
- Unexpected discomfort: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage mild soreness from adjustments or new aligners.
Remember, the team at 303 Smiles is just a phone call away. Save our number before your trip so you can reach us if you need advice while you’re away.
Don’t Forget About Airport Security
Worried about aligners or braces setting off alarms at security checkpoints? Don’t be! Orthodontic appliances are made from materials that won’t trigger scanners. That said, here are a few quick tips:
- Pack aligners, elastics, and wax in your carry-on bag so they’re always accessible.
- If you’re changing aligners during your trip, bring your next and last set in your carry-on instead of packing them in checked luggage.
Why Choose 303 Smiles for Braces or Invisalign
At 303 Smiles, we specialize in helping patients find a treatment plan that fits their lifestyle, even if that lifestyle includes plenty of travel. Dr. Straffon offers:
- Self-ligating braces for faster, more comfortable results
- Multiple Invisalign programs for kids, teens, and adults
- A 303 Signature Smile Hybrid Plan combining the benefits of both braces and Invisalign
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month abroad, we’ll make sure your treatment stays on track every step of the way.
Ready to Start Your Smile Journey?
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just planning your next vacation, braces or Invisalign can work with your lifestyle. At 303 Smiles, we’re here to make sure your orthodontic experience is comfortable, convenient, and successful, even when you’re on the go.
We offer free in-person and virtual consultations, making it easy to start your treatment on your terms.
Contact 303 Smiles today to schedule your free consultation and find out which option is right for you. Let us help you achieve the confident, beautiful smile you deserve, no matter where life takes you.