Traveling with Braces: Your Summer Vacation Survival Kit

With summer just around the corner, we have two quick takeaways for your summer vacation survival kit: pack a compact braces emergency kit and follow a few simple care habits to keep travel stress-free. This checklist is tailored for Mount Laurel/South Jersey families so your teen’s braces stay safe from the Jersey Shore to wherever your summer takes you.

Quick Checklist (Pack these first)

• Travel-size toothbrush & fluoride toothpaste
• Interdental brushes / proxy brushes
• Orthodontic wax
• Pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Orthodontic floss
• Orthodontic elastics (if patient wears them)
• Sterile orthodontic tweezers or clean nail clippers (to cut wires)
• Small mirror or compact with mirror
• Soft snacks list & a few soft treats (yogurt cups, applesauce, bananas)
• Emergency contact card (office phone for Amazing Brace Ortho and local ER/dental emergency number)
• Clear plastic bag or hard travel case for kit items

Before You Leave: Prep Steps

1. Schedule a quick pre-trip check — get a tightening or evaluation 1–2 weeks before traveling to reduce the likelihood of mid-trip issues
2. Stock up on supplies — pick up extras at your local pharmacy/store or grab them from our office
3. Save our number in your phone for any emergency calls or texts
4. Look up the closest dental/orthodontic offices near your destination for any emergencies. You can even call them ahead of time to check if they see outside patients on an emergency basis (use local search or AAO/ADA resources)

On the Road Care Tips

• Brush after every meal — even on the beach or in a rental car. Use a travel toothbrush and rinse thoroughly.
• Avoid high-risk foods — no sticky candy, hard nuts, or whole apples; cut fruit into thin slices instead.
• Rinse with water after snacks if brushing isn’t possible.
• Use wax for sores — press a small ball of orthodontic wax over poking wires to reduce irritation.
• If a wire breaks or a bracket loosens: place wax over the area and call the office for guidance.

What to Do in an Emergency

• Loose bracket (still attached to wire): leave it in place until you can get it fixed
• Bracket off completely: discard it, as a new one will be placed at your next visit
• Poking wire: try tucking it under a bracket with sterilized tweezers or cover with wax
• Severe pain or swelling: seek urgent dental care or ER and notify our office for follow-up
  Keep our office phone and after-hours emergency contact handy in your kit

Packing for Air Travel

• Keep kit in carry-on.
• Bring a note describing orthodontic supplies (ie small scissors) in case TSA asks.
• After your in-flight meal/snack, brush your teeth in the bathroom with a fresh bottle of water. Do not wet your toothbrush using water from the plane sink or rinse your mouth with that water.

A Word From Your OrthodonTish

I want families in Mount Laurel and South Jersey to enjoy summer without braces ruining the fun! I recommend a short pre-trip check for every patient with active orthodontic appliances. My team can provide supplies to get your travel kit started and give you extra elastics when needed. Call the office before you go so we can make sure your teen has everything they need!

— Dr. Tish Henderson, Board-Certified Orthodontist, Amazing Brace Orthodontics, Mount Laurel, NJ

Local Resources & Further Reading

• Amazing Brace Ortho — see our patient resources and related blog: Spring Break Prep: How to Care forYour Braces on The Road.
• American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) — travel and emergency care resources for patients.
• American Dental Association (ADA) — general dental emergency guidance and travel tips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if my child loses an elastic while on vacation?
Pack extras — replace it with a spare and call our office for more when you return.

Can my teen eat popcorn at the movies?
No. Popcorn kernels can damage brackets and wires. Choose soft snacks instead.

How quickly should I call after a broken bracket or wire?
Call the same day for guidance; if it causes pain or bleeding, seek immediate care.

Is it safe to use OTC oral numbing gels?
Short-term use is usually okay for discomfort; follow package directions and don't over-use it.

We’re out of town — where should I go for a dental/orthodontic emergency?
We suggest researching the area you plan to travel ahead of time. You can call the offices to see if they take emergency patients.

Quick Mount Laurel Contacts

• Amazing Brace Orthodontics 856-242-2126 : Please store our number in your phone for a quick text or phone call
• Local urgent dental care

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Enjoy your summer! Pack smart, call if you’re unsure and keep this checklist in your carry-on or glove box.

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Schedule a free consultation or learn more about braces, Invisalign, and early orthodontic treatment at amazingbraceortho.com.

📍 4200 Dearborn Circle, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 📞 (856) 242-2126

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Serving families in Mount Laurel, Marlton, Moorestown, Cherry Hill, Medford, Voorhees, and across South Jersey.

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