Going on vacation with an appliance or braces? No problem!

Orthodontic treatments are constantly evolving, not only to become more efficient, but also to minimize the discomfort and inconvenience suffered by the patient. These days, you can do just about anything you want with an orthodontic appliance or orthodontic brackets, as long as you observe a few basic rules. With proper supervision, the treatment should never jeopardize your vacation plans. By following these five tips before and during your trip, you’ll ensure that you enjoy it to the fullest!

1. If possible, consult us and let us know before you leave.

If you’ll be gone for a month or more, it’s recommended that you consult your orthodontist right before you leave in order to keep the time between appointments to a minimum. Your professional will be able to check on the status of your treatment and give you some advice you can follow to guarantee the effectiveness of your treatment under any circumstances.

2. Bring a little oral hygiene kit with you.

By gathering all the essentials in one place, you’ll minimize the risk of forgetting something. Make sure to pack:

• Dental floss
• A travel toothbrush
• A little bottle of water or mouthwash
• Orthodontic wax
• A little mirror to examine your mouth, if necessary
• An adequate supply of elastic bands if you use them
• A container to hold your orthodontic appliance

With this hygiene kit, you’ll be able to manage most of the little problems that could arise while traveling.

3. Take care of your retainer.

Be aware that the plastic of these appliances can melt if exposed to heat. For example, avoid leaving it on a vehicle dashboard at all costs. If you’re traveling with a pet, you should know that they love to chew on orthodontic appliances. Even if you trust your dog, keep your appliance out of its reach to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

General maintenance tips also apply, even on vacation: make sure that your appliance stays as clean as possible by cleaning it regularly with a toothbrush.

4. Avoid certain foods.

To prevent problems, keep your consumption of excessively hard or sticky foods to a minimum. Particularly, avoid fruits that are difficult to bite into, like apples (cut them into pieces), as well as nuts, bagels, cookies, crackers, pretzels, chewing gum, hard candies and corn on the cob.

5. No matter what, don’t take a break from your treatment.

If you don’t wear your appliance, your teeth can move out of alignment, which could undo all your efforts and prolong your treatment unnecessarily. Despite the changes in your routine necessitated by a long vacation, just remember that diligence is the key to success. Your teeth never go on vacation!