By Dr. Kim Smith | Smile Suite Orthodontics, Evanston IL
You’ve got your plane tickets, your playlists, your swimsuit… but have you packed for your smile?
Whether you’re headed to the beach, visiting family out of town, or just taking a weekend road trip, staying on track with your orthodontic care is still important — even on vacation.
At Smile Suite Orthodontics, we want our patients to enjoy a care-free summer without risking broken brackets, misplaced aligners, or stained trays. That’s why we’ve put together this must-have Ortho Travel Kit Checklist — so your smile stays in vacation mode, too.
🧳 First: The Essentials
Start with these core items that every braces or aligner wearer should have on hand — whether you’re gone for two days or two weeks:
- ✅ Travel toothbrush – Foldable or compact to fit in your bag
- ✅ Toothpaste – Fluoride preferred; throw in a travel-size for carry-ons
- ✅ Floss picks or threaders – Flossing can’t take a vacation!
- ✅ Travel-sized mouthwash – Alcohol-free options are gentler for sensitive mouths
- ✅ Orthodontic wax – In case anything starts rubbing mid-trip
- ✅ Compact mirror – For quick fixes or checking those post-meal teeth
Bonus tip: Keep your essentials in a pouch or waterproof bag so it’s easy to grab on the go — especially if you’re at the beach, a waterpark, or hopping on a plane.
🦷 For Braces Wearers
Braces come with their own quirks — so pack accordingly:
- ✅ Interdental brushes or proxy brushes – Great for cleaning around brackets on the go
- ✅ Pain reliever (like Tylenol or Advil) – Just in case of any unexpected soreness
- ✅ Ortho-safe snacks – Soft granola bars, applesauce pouches, protein shakes
- ✅ List of emergency ortho contacts – Just in case something pops loose
And always pack an extra dose of patience — vacation meals may not be braces-perfect, but small adjustments go a long way.
😁 For Invisalign or Clear Aligner Wearers
Aligner users need a few extra items to keep those trays clean, clear, and in-check:
- ✅ Your aligner case – Never wrap them in a napkin (they WILL get thrown away)
- ✅ Extra aligner set (if you’re due for a switch) – Or bring your previous set as a backup
- ✅ Cleaning crystals or foaming aligner cleanser – Keep those trays fresh, especially if you’re eating out a lot
- ✅ Tiny toothbrush just for trays – Soft-bristle and packable
Vacation bonus: Bring a small collapsible cup for rinsing if you won’t have a sink nearby.
🍦 Snack Smart While Traveling
If you’re road-tripping through the Midwest, flying from O’Hare, or lounging in Evanston at a summer festival, these snacks are ortho-approved:
For Braces:
- Soft cheese cubes
- Mashed potatoes or mac & cheese cups
- Yogurt or smoothie packs
- Muffins (no nuts or hard toppings)
- Cooked pasta with sauce
For Aligners (after removal!):
- All of the above
- Chips or popcorn (as long as you clean up well after!)
- Ice cream, cotton candy, and sweet treats — just rinse and brush after
✈️ Smile-Safe Tips While Traveling
- 🛫 Flying? Cabin pressure changes may cause slight discomfort in braces — keep wax or pain relief handy
- 🛁 Swimming? If you’re in aligners, don’t wear them in the pool or hot tub — always store them safely in your case
- 🏝️ Hot weather? Keep your aligners and wax out of direct sun or heat — they can warp or melt
- 🚗 Road tripping? Make sure you stop to brush and floss after snacks if you’re not wearing aligners during long drives
💬 What If Something Breaks?
If a bracket pops off, a wire pokes out, or you lose an aligner:
- Don’t panic
- Call or text Smile Suite Orthodontics — we’ll advise you on what to do next
- If needed, find a local ortho for temporary fixes and let us know ASAP
- Keep your last set of aligners if you lose a tray and wear those until you return
📍 Wherever You Go, Take That Smile With You
From Evanston to anywhere the summer sun takes you — your orthodontic journey doesn’t need to take a break. With a little prep and the right kit, you’ll be selfie-ready the whole time.
Need help building your ortho travel kit? Ask us during your next appointment! We’re happy to give you recommendations, tips, or a sample-size starter pack.
Schedule your summer check-up with us at 2422 Main St, Evanston, IL
And don’t forget to tag us in your travel pics — we LOVE seeing where our patients and their smiles go next. 🌎📸
