Summer is the perfect time to explore new places, visit family, and make lifelong memories. But if you or your child wears braces, travel requires a bit of extra planning. With the right preparation, you can keep your orthodontic treatment on track and enjoy every moment of your adventure. Whether you’re heading out from Santa Barbara or traveling across the country, Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry is here to help you travel confidently with braces. This guide covers how to pack the perfect orthodontic care kit, handle emergencies on the go, and maintain excellent oral hygiene routines while traveling.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Travel can disrupt daily routines, introduce new foods, and make it harder to access your orthodontist. Braces require consistent care, and being unprepared can lead to discomfort, delays in treatment, or emergencies. With a little forethought, you can focus on enjoying your vacation, not worrying about your braces.
Schedule a Pre-Travel Checkup
Before you leave, consider scheduling a pre-trip checkup at Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry. A quick visit allows your orthodontic team to:
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Ensure your braces or aligners are in great shape
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Address any concerns or needed adjustments
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Provide extra supplies, such as rubber bands or wax
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Answer any travel-related orthodontic questions
This proactive step gives you peace of mind and reduces the risk of unexpected issues while you’re away.
Packing the Ultimate Orthodontic Travel Kit
A well-stocked orthodontic travel kit is your best defense against the unexpected. Here’s what to include:
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Orthodontic Wax: For covering brackets or wires that cause irritation.
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Extra Rubber Bands: Bring plenty if elastics are part of your treatment.
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Travel Toothbrush and Fluoride Toothpaste: For brushing after every meal, wherever you are.
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Dental Floss and Floss Threaders: Essential for cleaning around wires and brackets.
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Interdental Brushes or Soft Picks: For removing food particles from hard-to-reach places.
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Mouthwash: A travel-sized antibacterial rinse keeps your mouth fresh and clean.
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Pain Reliever: Over-the-counter medication for soreness or discomfort.
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Small Mirror: Useful for checking your braces after meals or if you feel something is out of place.
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Retainer or Aligner Case: Always have a sturdy case for removable appliances.
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Hand Sanitizer: Clean hands are essential before touching your mouth or appliances.
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Tweezers: Helpful for replacing rubber bands or adjusting wires in a pinch.
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Contact Information for Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry:
3740 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
905-421-4469
sbchildrensdentistry.com
Keep your kit in your carry-on, backpack, or purse so it’s always within reach, especially during long flights, road trips, or outdoor excursions.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene on the Go
Traveling often means eating out, snacking more frequently, and being away from your regular bathroom setup. Keeping your teeth and braces clean is just as important on vacation as it is at home.
Stick to Your Routine
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Brush after every meal: Carry your travel toothbrush and toothpaste so you can clean your teeth wherever you are.
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Floss daily: Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to reach between teeth and around brackets.
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Rinse with water: If brushing isn’t possible, rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating to remove food particles.
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Use mouthwash: A quick rinse with antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth clean and reducing the risk of cavities. Carry a refillable water bottle and sip often, especially after meals.
Set Reminders
Traveling can disrupt routines, so set reminders on your phone to brush, floss, and change elastics or aligners at the right times—especially when crossing time zones.
Choosing Braces-Safe Foods While Traveling
Vacations are full of tempting treats and new foods, but some options can damage your braces or get stuck in wires.
Braces-Friendly Foods
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Soft fruits (bananas, berries, melons)
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Yogurt, cheese, and smoothies
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Scrambled eggs
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Pasta, rice, and soft breads
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Cooked vegetables
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Ice cream (without nuts or hard mix-ins)
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Tender fish or chicken
Foods to Avoid
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Hard candies and popcorn
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Chewy or sticky snacks (caramel, taffy, gum)
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Crunchy chips or pretzels
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Whole apples or raw carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
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Ice (never chew!)
When dining out, look for soft-cooked options and avoid anything that could bend wires or break brackets. If you’re unsure about a particular food, choose the safer option—your smile will thank you.
Protecting Your Smile During Summer Activities
Summer often means outdoor adventures—hiking, swimming, biking, or playing sports. Here’s how to keep your braces and teeth safe:
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Wear a mouthguard: Essential for contact sports or activities with a risk of impact. Ask Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry about custom mouthguards designed to fit comfortably over braces.
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Avoid sugary sports drinks: These can increase the risk of cavities, especially if you can’t brush right away.
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Stay hydrated: Water is always the best choice for your teeth and overall health.
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Use SPF lip balm: Protect your lips from sunburn, especially during long outdoor activities.
Handling Orthodontic Emergencies While Traveling
Even with the best preparation, accidents can happen. Here’s how to handle common orthodontic issues on the go:
Loose or Broken Brackets
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If a bracket becomes loose or breaks but is still attached to the wire, leave it in place.
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Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges and prevent irritation.
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Do not attempt to fix the bracket yourself—schedule a visit with Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry as soon as you return.
Poking or Snapped Wires
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If a wire is poking your cheek or gums, use a clean pencil eraser to gently push it into a more comfortable position.
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Cover the end with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation.
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Never cut the wire yourself.
Lost or Broken Aligner
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If you’re using clear aligners and lose or break one, move to your previous set or the next set only if instructed by your orthodontist.
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Contact Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry for guidance on how to proceed.
Soreness or Discomfort
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Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritation.
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Use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
Always keep Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry’s contact information handy in case you need advice or support while you’re away.
Preparing for International Travel with Braces
If your summer plans include international destinations, take these extra steps:
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Bring a copy of your orthodontic records: In case you need to see a dentist or orthodontist abroad.
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Learn key phrases: If traveling to a non-English-speaking country, know how to explain your orthodontic needs.
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Research local dental care: Identify clinics near your destination just in case.
Staying Connected with Your Orthodontist
Modern orthodontic care makes it easier than ever to stay in touch while you’re away. Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry offers virtual consultations and remote monitoring, so you can:
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Send photos of your teeth for remote check-ups
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Receive expert advice from your orthodontic team without an in-office visit
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Get quick answers to your questions, wherever you are
If you’re planning an extended trip, let the office know in advance so you can be provided with extra supplies or schedule a virtual check-in.
Scheduling and Planning Before You Leave
Before you head out for your trip:
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Schedule a check-up: Visit Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry to ensure your braces or aligners are in good shape.
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Share your travel dates: Let the office know so you can receive extra supplies or instructions if needed.
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Ask about virtual appointments: Especially if you’ll be away for an extended period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I forget my aligners or rubber bands?
Contact Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry right away. The team can advise you on the best steps to take and may be able to ship replacements to your location.
Can I swim with braces or aligners?
Absolutely! Just be sure to remove aligners before swimming and store them in their case. Braces are safe in the water, but always wear a mouthguard for water sports.
How do I handle airport security with braces?
Braces and aligners will not set off metal detectors, so you can travel worry-free.
Why Choose Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry for Your Orthodontic Care
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Expertise: The team has years of experience helping Santa Barbara families achieve healthy, beautiful smiles.
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Personalized Care: Every patient receives a customized treatment plan and ongoing support.
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Convenience: With in-person and virtual appointments, orthodontic care fits your lifestyle.
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Trusted by Families: Patients praise the friendly team, on-time appointments, and stress-free experience.
Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry believes your summer should be filled with smiles, not stress. Whether you’re traveling across California or around the world, the team is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry
Ready for a summer of adventure? Have questions about traveling with braces or aligners? Reach out:
3740 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
905-421-4469
sbchildrensdentistry.com
Traveling with braces doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, expert support from Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry, and a little extra care, you can enjoy every moment of your summer adventures while keeping your smile on track.
For more tips, patient resources, or to schedule your next appointment, visit the website or call today. Safe travels and keep smiling!
