Summer vacation can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a bit of a hassle if something goes wrong with a child’s braces. There are ways to mitigate and prevent orthodontic problems over the summer, and we will share some recommendations with you, so you and your family can enjoy your holiday.
Why Should We Schedule Summer Orthodontics Appointments in Advance?
If you are planning a vacation away from Carson this summer, it’s a good idea to schedule your orthodontics appointments in advance. You should also schedule a follow-up appointment after you and your children return.
This is because sometimes orthodontics need to be adjusted after a vacation. Kids might eat snacks they don’t normally eat, such as candy and treats they might not consume at home. You will want to be proactive about resolving any potential issues by setting up appointments in advance. That way, you won’t need to wait, and you will be well prepared.
How Can We Make Sure Our Family Is Prepared for Our Summer Vacation?
When a summer vacation is about to happen, families often get rushed. There can be a lot of running around and little details can be forgotten. If you have kids that are wearing braces, this might mean that they could potentially forget to pack important items that they will need on their journey.
This could be anything from their oral care toiletries to their retainers to the rubber bands they might need for their braces. It’s a good idea to go over everything that your kid needs for their orthodontics prior to the day of the trip and make sure that everything is packed and ready to go. Before you get in the car, check and make sure that those supplies are ready and available and in the suitcase.
See the next two sections for more information on vacation orthodontic kits.
Why Should We Take an Orthodontic Kit on Our Family Vacation?
When you are going on a vacation, it is a good idea to bring an orthodontic kit with you. The purpose of having an orthodontic kit while on vacation is so that you will be better able to handle any minor emergencies that come up. This is especially important if you are going on a trip with your children.
Children, of course, can be prone to get into trouble with their teeth sometimes, especially if they have braces. So, we recommend keeping a braces kit, oral hygiene kit, or orthodontic kit along with your typical toiletries.
You might even be able to find a premade, commercial braces kit from local drug stores or online stores. Of course, if you do have a more pressing dental emergency, you should contact us at (424) 391-8941 as well as get some help in the local area to make sure that their teeth are taken care of.
What Should Be in Our Orthodontic Vacation Kit?
The exact inventory of your orthodontic vacation kit will depend on how many people in your family are currently using orthodontics, such as braces, Invisalign® clear aligners, or retainers. But here are some Items to consider (you can also talk to us for more information and advice):
- Travel toothbrushes and toothpaste.
- Dental floss, toothpicks, floss picks, and other items to help keep the area between the teeth clean.
- Mini bottles of mouthwash or portable mouthwash strips.
- Water bottles and possibly portable water filters.
- Dental wax, aka orthodontic wax, which can be used to protect the soft tissue if a wire gets loose in your child’s braces.
What Problem Foods Should Be Avoided While on Vacation?
Now we need to be a little realistic. When it’s summer vacation time, it’s very unlikely you will be able to persuade your kids to never eat ice cream or popsicles, but you can make some safer choices. Soft cotton candy will be much better for braces than sticky taffy, which can definitely cause issues with orthodontics. Here are some foods to avoid as much as possible if you or your child have braces:
- Hard candy.
- Sticky candy like toffee, taffy, or caramel.
- Chewy candy like jellybeans, gummy bears, and gumdrops.
- Bubble gum.
- Nuts and candy with nuts.
- Corn on the cob.
- Hard pretzels (soft pretzels are OK).
- Ice (for chewing).
What Should We Do if an Invisalign® Clear Aligner Is Lost While on Vacation?
Contact us by telephone at (424) 391-8941 to be sure, but most likely you can wear the previous or next Invisalign® tray if you have them with you. If you do not have a replacement tray, then you might have to wait until you return to Carson if your vacation is short enough. If you will be gone for a month or more, contact us about other options.
What Should We Do If an Orthodontic Emergency Happens While on Vacation?
You can always call us at (424) 391-8941 and we might be able to help you over the phone. Certain mild orthodontic emergencies can sometimes be fixed “at home” (or in this case, in your hotel) if you’ve brought your orthodontic kit with you.
For example, if a braces wire has become loose, you might be able to get by with some dental or orthodontic wax to cover the end. This will keep the wire from irritating the soft tissues in the mouth.
Otherwise, you should contact a qualified orthodontist in the local area that you are visiting, if possible. For serious issues such as a lost tooth or a broken jaw, go to the nearest hospital or emergency room.
Looking for an Orthodontist in Carson, California?
If you are looking for an orthodontist for your family in the South Bay, Orthodontist of Carson should be your top choice. We can also help visitors from out of town who might need some help with an orthodontic emergency. Our friendly team is happy to assist you, and we offer flexible appointments to adjust for busy family schedules.
If you are looking for a qualified orthodontist in the South Bay, try Orthodontist of Carson. We can help get your family ready for summer fun and follow up with you upon return. Just contact us at (424) 391-8941 to set up your summer orthodontic appointments.
