Summer is here and your suitcase is calling! Whether you’re flying across the globe or road-tripping to visit family, it’s important not to forget about your smile-in-progress. Traveling with braces doesn’t have to be difficult—just a little prep goes a long way!
With the right tools and a few helpful tips, you can stay on track with your orthodontic treatment and enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Let’s explore our favorite orthodontist-approved tips for traveling with braces—plus some exciting travel destinations for 2025!
TL;DR: Traveling with Braces in 2025
- You can travel with braces—just plan ahead, pack smart, & let us know before you go.
- Pack a braces care kit with essentials like wax, flossers, pain relief meds, and extra rubber bands.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods.
- Stick to your oral hygiene routine always.
- Be prepared for potential braces emergencies & save your orthodontist’s number in your phone.
Bon voyage from Caudill & McNeight Orthodontics in Melbourne/Suntree, Merritt Island, and Viera!
Tip #1: Contact Your Orthodontist Before You Go
Once your travel dates are locked in, check your appointment schedule. If you’ll be out of town during a scheduled adjustment, give us a call or simply text us—we’ll do our best to accommodate your plans. Dr. Caudill, Dr. McNeight, or Dr. Naglieri may suggest a quick check-in before you leave to make sure everything looks secure.
Even if your trip is spontaneous, let us know at your regular visit. It’s also a great time to ask questions—yes, you can swim in the ocean with braces! (No, they won’t rust. Promise.)
Tip #2: Pack a Braces Travel Kit (Don’t Skip This!)
Packing smart is key when it comes to traveling with braces. Be sure to take along your braces travel kit to stay prepared and keep your mouth healthy on the go. Here’s what we recommend:
- Orthodontic wax
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Flossers or ortho floss threaders
- Travel-size mouthwash
- Rubber bands (always ask for extra before you go!)
- Interdental brushes (proxy brushes)
- Pain relief like Tylenol or Ibuprofen
Need help stocking up? Check out our favorite braces-friendly travel essentials from our Amazon Picks!
Pro tip: Keep your braces kit in your carry-on, especially if you’re flying. You never know when you’ll need it mid-flight or during a layover!
Tip #3: Be Mindful of Your Food Choices
Vacation is for indulging—but be gentle on your braces. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can damage brackets and wires. Instead, opt for soft treats like:
- Soft fruits (cut into small pieces)
- Pastries, pancakes, crepes
- Ice cream, yogurt, or sorbet
- Soft chocolate (no nuts or caramel)
- Smoothies (a beach favorite!)
Tip #4: Stick to Your Oral Hygiene Routine
With over 6 billion bacteria living in our mouths, skipping your brushing routine isn’t worth the risk—even on vacation. Make it easier by packing travel-friendly oral hygiene tools and sticking to your brushing and flossing schedule.
Your braces and your future smile will thank you!
Tip #5: Be Prepared for Braces Emergencies
Let’s face it—things happen. If a bracket breaks or a wire pokes out mid-trip, don’t panic. Keep our office number saved in your phone, and use your travel kit for quick fixes:
- Apply wax for poking wires
- Use floss to gently remove food stuck in brackets
- Take pain relievers if needed
Still unsure? Call us or text us and we’ll help guide your next steps.
Top Travel Destinations in 2025
If you’re dreaming big this year, here are a few popular travel spots to consider:
- Tokyo, Japan – Clean, walkable, and filled with soft noodle dishes (perfect for braces wearers)!
- Barcelona, Spain – Beautiful beaches and lots of delicious tapas that are soft and easy on your teeth.
- Costa Rica – Outdoor adventure meets relaxation—plus smoothies everywhere!
- Nashville, Tennessee – Perfect for domestic travelers looking for live music and southern charm (with plenty of mac & cheese).
- Banff National Park, Canada – Nature lovers will enjoy easy hikes, soft snacks, and stunning mountain views.
No matter where your adventures take you, you can enjoy every moment while keeping your braces secure and your treatment on track.
Traveling with Invisalign?
If you’re looking for a more travel-friendly orthodontic option, Invisalign® might be right for you. With no wires or brackets, these clear aligners make traveling a breeze. Just be sure to pack your trays, case, and cleaning crystals or tablets!
Can another orthodontist adjust my braces?
Another orthodontist can see a patient on an emergency basis, depending on the nature of the problem, but not for a routine adjustment. We receive calls from time to time from people who are visiting the area and have an issue with their braces and we are always happy to lend a helping hand and expect other orthodontists will do the same for our patients.
If a bracket falls off your tooth or you’re unable to fix a pokey wire, call us, and we can help you determine the best course of action. We don’t want you to worry while you’re supposed to be enjoying your trip!
However, if you’re experiencing severe pain, bleeding or an open wound, seek help from a local orthodontist where you are visiting along with calling to let us know the problem.
Questions? We’ve Got You!
Whether you’re boarding a plane with braces or planning the ultimate summer escape, we’re here to help keep your smile on track—wherever your travels take you.
If you haven’t visited one of our orthodontic offices near you yet, request your FREE consultation today and take off with confidence! We have highly-experienced orthodontists in Viera, Melbourne/Suntree and Merritt Island.
