Angle House Blog

Going on holiday or travelling for work? Whether you wear braces or clear aligners, keeping your orthodontic treatment on track while away from home just takes a little preparation.

Here’s a complete guide to what to pack, how to plan, and what to do if something unexpected happens – so you can relax and smile confidently wherever you go.

✈️ Before You Travel

Before setting off, it’s a good idea to let your orthodontic team know about your plans – especially for longer trips.

They can:

• Check for loose brackets or attachments

• Give you extra aligners or elastics if you’ll be away for several weeks

• Provide emergency advice or contact information in case you need help abroad

A quick visit before your trip can save you from orthodontic hassles while you’re away.

🧳 If You Have Braces

Travelling with braces is easy with a bit of forward planning. Pack a small “braces travel kit” and keep it in your hand luggage or day bag.

What to Pack:

• Travel toothbrush and toothpaste – for brushing after meals

• Interdental brushes or floss threaders – to clean between brackets and wires

• Orthodontic wax – your best friend for preventing irritation from loose wires or brackets

• Compact mirror – useful for checking your braces on the go

• Mini bottle of mouthwash – to freshen up when brushing isn’t possible

• Pain relief tablets – for mild soreness or tightness after adjustments

• Extra elastics – if your treatment involves rubber bands

Eating and Drinking Tips:

• Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods (like nuts, popcorn, or toffees) that can damage brackets or wires

• Cut up tougher foods such as apples, bread, or meat into small bites

• Carry a bottle of water – it’s great for rinsing after meals when brushing isn’t possible

If Something Goes Wrong:

• Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges or poking wires

• If a bracket becomes loose but stays on the wire, leave it in place and cover it with wax

• Avoid trying to fix or cut wires yourself

• Contact your orthodontist for advice – even from abroad, they can usually help guide you

🦷 If You Have Clear Aligners

Travelling with aligners offers flexibility, but it still requires a bit of organisation to keep your treatment on schedule.

What to Pack:

• Your aligner case – never wrap aligners in tissue or napkins; they can easily be thrown away by mistake

• Next set of aligners – if you’ll be due to switch trays during your trip

• Cleaning tablets or retainer wipes – to keep trays clear and odour-free

• Travel toothbrush and toothpaste – brushing before reinserting aligners helps prevent staining

• Mini bottle of mouthwash – handy for quick rinses when you can’t brush

• Small water bottle – always rinse aligners before putting them back in after meals

Eating and Drinking Tips:

• Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything except water

• Rinse your mouth and aligners before reinserting them

• Keep your aligner case with you at all times – lost trays are one of the most common travel mishaps

• If you’re flying, keep aligners in your carry-on, not checked luggage – temperature changes in the hold can warp them

If You Lose or Break an Aligner:

• Move to your next set if you’re near your scheduled change date

• If not, wear your previous set until you can contact your orthodontist

• Don’t stop wearing aligners entirely – keeping something in place helps prevent unwanted tooth movement

😁 Stay Consistent With Your Oral Care Routine

Holidays are for relaxing, but your smile still deserves attention. Try to:

• Brush at least twice daily (ideally after every meal)

• Floss or use interdental brushes once a day

• Clean aligners properly every morning and evening

• Stay hydrated – a dry mouth can increase the risk of plaque buildup

A few minutes of care each day keeps your orthodontic progress right on track.

🌍 Smile and Enjoy Your Trip

Travelling with braces or aligners doesn’t have to complicate your plans – it just means packing smart and being prepared. With your travel kit ready and a few good habits, you’ll be free to enjoy every moment (and every photo) while keeping your smile journey on course.

Safe travels – and keep smiling wherever your adventure takes you.