How to Keep Up With Your Orthodontic Care During Holiday Travel

The holidays are a time for celebration, relaxation, and travel. However, if you're undergoing orthodontic treatment, it's important to ensure your smile stays on track, even while you're away. At Virginia Braces, we know how easy it can be to let routines slip during vacation, but with a little planning, you can maintain your orthodontic care and enjoy your holiday stress-free. Here’s how to stay on top of your orthodontic routine while traveling this season.

Holiday Travel Orthodontic Checklist

1. Create a Travel Kit for Orthodontic Care

Start your trip off right by preparing a small travel kit with the essentials. Here’s what to include:

• Orthodontic wax: In case your braces cause irritation.

• Interdental brushes: These small brushes are perfect for cleaning between wires and brackets when floss isn’t enough.

• Portable mirror: A small mirror can help you check for food particles and adjust aligners or elastics when you're away from home.

• Aligner case: For Invisalign users, always have your aligner case handy to store your trays safely when eating or drinking.

2. Stay Consistent with Oral Hygiene

Vacation fun can sometimes lead to neglected routines, but it's crucial to keep your teeth clean while wearing braces or aligners. Make it a priority to brush and floss after every meal. If you’re on the move and unable to brush immediately, rinse your mouth with water to help clear away food particles.

3. Be Cautious with Holiday Foods

During the holidays, it’s easy to indulge in festive treats, but some can be harmful to your braces or aligners. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods like candy canes, caramels, and nuts should be avoided as they can cause damage to your braces or require aligner replacement. If you wear Invisalign, be sure to remove your aligners before eating and clean your teeth before placing them back in.

4. Plan for Unexpected Situations

While no one expects an orthodontic emergency, it's always a good idea to plan for the unexpected. If a wire breaks or a bracket comes loose, knowing how to handle it will save you stress. Pack a small orthodontic repair kit with tweezers and wax, and have our contact information on hand for emergency advice.

5. Don’t Forget to Wear Your Aligners or Elastics

It can be tempting to take a break from wearing your aligners or elastics during vacation, but consistency is key to keeping your treatment on track. Make sure to wear your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day, and stick to your elastic schedule to ensure your progress isn’t delayed.

Maintaining your orthodontic care during holiday travel is all about preparation and sticking to your routine. By following this checklist, you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation without compromising your orthodontic treatment.

Traveling soon? Schedule an appointment with Virginia Braces before you leave to ensure you’re fully prepared to keep up with your orthodontic care on the go.