☀️ Vacation-Ready Smiles Start with Smart Prep
Summer means road trips, pool parties, and sweet treats—but don’t let all the fun derail your orthodontic progress! Whether you’re wearing braces or Invisalign® clear aligners, staying consistent with care while traveling can make all the difference.
At Alamo City Orthodontics, we want to help you keep your smile healthy all summer long with these expert-approved tips.
🧳 Pack a Travel-Ortho Kit
Don’t leave home without these essentials:
- Orthodontic wax for poking wires
- A soft travel toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss or threaders
- Interdental brushes
- Aligner or retainer cleaning foam
- A mirror and small bottle of mouthwash
- Extra elastics (if applicable)
- Retainer case
If you’re part of our FOREVERSMILE Retainer Program, you’ll have the peace of mind of retainer backups even if something gets lost.
🍦 Choose Braces-Friendly Vacation Snacks
You’ll find temptation everywhere—fairs, carnivals, theme parks—but steer clear of:
- Hard candies
- Ice and popcorn
- Sticky taffy and gum
- Corn on the cob
Instead, enjoy:
- Frozen yogurt
- Soft sandwiches
- Cooked veggies
- Pasta and rice
- Cut fruit
Wearing clear aligners? Remove them before eating and always clean your teeth before reinserting.
🪥 Don’t Skip Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Busy travel days can make brushing feel like a chore—but keeping up with your hygiene matters more than ever while in active treatment.
Stick to:
- Brushing after every meal
- Flossing at least once daily
- Rinsing if brushing isn’t an option
- Cleaning aligners or retainers daily
Missed a step? You can always come in for supportive services like retainer adjustments or repairs when you return.
🆘 Be Prepared for Ortho Emergencies
If something happens while you’re away—like a bracket breaks or wire irritates the inside of your mouth:
- Use wax to cover the issue
- Rinse with warm salt water to ease discomfort
- Call Alamo City Orthodontics for guidance
- Book a same-day emergency appointment when you return
If you're in Invisalign and lose your tray, wear your previous aligner until we can replace it.
🗓️ Time Your Appointments Before Travel
Summer is the perfect time to schedule:
These proactive steps help catch issues before you leave town and free up time for fun.
🔁 Retainers Travel Too!
If you’ve completed orthodontic treatment and are using a retainer:
- Wear it nightly
- Clean it regularly
- Bring a backup if possible
- Store it in a protective case, not a napkin!
Need a new one? Our FOREVERSMILE program allows quick replacements without messy impressions.
😎 Travel with Confidence
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t pause for vacation—and with a few simple steps, it doesn’t have to. From retainer care to diet tips, your team at Alamo City Orthodontics is here to keep your smile healthy no matter where summer takes you.
We’re proud to serve the families of San Antonio, Shavano Park, and beyond—making orthodontic care easy, affordable, and family-friendly all year long.
