Braces on the Go: Brown Family Orthodontics' Guide to Summer Smiles
What to Pack, What to Avoid, and How to Stay Comfortable on the Go
Table of Contents
Introduction
Why Traveling with Braces or Aligners Requires Extra Planning
The Essentials: What to Pack in Your Braces Travel Kit
Foods to Avoid (and Enjoy) While Traveling
Comfort Tips for Road Trips, Flights & Beach Days
Emergency Care on the Road
Aligner Travel Advice: Invisalign® & Spark
Staying on Track: Oral Hygiene While Away
Why Families Trust Brown Family Orthodontics
Conclusion: Keep Your Smile Adventure-Ready
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Summer's finally here—and so are all the adventures: beach days, road trips, festivals, and family reunions. At Brown Family Orthodontics, with over 50 years of trusted, family-owned care, we love seeing our patients make lasting memories while keeping their smiles on track. Whether you're headed to the Gulf Coast or exploring out-of-town with
braces,
Invisalign®, or
Spark Aligners, our guide makes it simple to travel smart, stay comfortable, and protect your orthodontic progress.
With seven convenient locations across Mississippi and Louisiana—including Chalmette, Mandeville, Metairie, Marrero, Madisonville, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula—Dr. Jess and
Dr. Ed are always nearby when emergencies pop up on the road. Let's dive into how you can enjoy your summer while keeping your smile bright and healthy!
Why Traveling with Braces or Aligners Requires Extra Planning
Travel is full of unexpected moments—delays, new foods, time changes—and for orthodontic patients, that means potential risks, too. Braces wires may poke, and aligner trays can go missing.
But with a little preparation, these issues disappear. At Brown Family Ortho, we empower our patients with the tools and knowledge to manage their orthodontic care anywhere—from Pascagoula beach days to flights out of New Orleans. A well-planned travel itinerary helps you stay ahead of interruptions and protect your valuable investment.
The Essentials: What to Pack in Your Braces Travel Kit
Think of your travel kit as your summer must-have: just like sunscreen, you don't want to leave home without it. Stick it in your carry-on or day bag to have braces care at your fingertips:
- Orthodontic wax – great for covering poking wires or brackets
- Travel toothbrush & fluoride paste – after every meal is ideal
- Floss or picks – especially orthodontic-friendly types
- Interdental brushes – perfect for cleaning between brackets
- Mini mirror – helps make quick exams easy
- Tweezers – to reposition a shifted wire
- Over-the-counter pain relievers – for soreness from new wires
- Extra elastics – if you're using rubber bands
- Travel mouth rinse – freshens and protects if brushing isn't possible
Pack these in a zip pouch and keep it with your carry-on or day bag—you'll thank yourself the moment you need it on the road.
Foods to Avoid (and Enjoy) While Traveling
Traveling means exploring flavors, but for those with braces or clear aligners, not every delicious snack is safe.
Braces Caution List:
- Corn on the cob unless cut off
- Sticky candies, gum, and taffy
- Hard, crunchy snacks like chips or nuts
- Whole apples or carrots (cut them first)
- Bone-in ribs, wings, and tough meats
- Popcorn – kernels get stuck easily
Travel-Friendly Travel Treats:
- Soft sandwiches and wraps
- Yogurt, smoothies, and fruit cups
- Pasta dishes, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs
- Soft fruit: bananas, melon, berries
- Soft cookies or rice pudding cups
Eating smart keeps your smile healthy and your orthodontist's schedule simple!
Comfort Tips for Road Trips, Flights & Beach Days
Long rides or busy airports don't have to mean discomfort for orthodontic patients. Here's how to stay relaxed and happy on the move:
- Apply wax before travel if you know wires are slightly poking.
- Bring a cold water bottle—hydration helps ease soreness.
- Have pain relievers handy, especially after flights or long car rides.
- Protect your mouth from dehydration with frequent sips and lip balm.
With these comfort hacks, beach days, snacks—and braces—can all coexist happily.
Emergency Care on the Road
Even with the best planning, braces or aligners may occasionally need attention—especially when you're away from home. Here are quick steps to manage common orthodontic hiccups until you can see Dr. Jess or Dr. Ed:
- Loose or broken brackets: Keep it in place and cover it with wax. Call your local office to schedule a repair upon your return.
- Poking wires: Gently tuck the wire under with clean tweezers or a pencil eraser and apply wax.
- Lost clear aligners (Invisalign®/Spark): Use your previous tray until you can replace the set. Never switch ahead without our guidance.
Remember, you're not alone. Whether you're in Mandeville or Metairie, our seven locations and dedicated team ensure treatment stays on track—even when vacations take you far.
Aligner Travel Advice: Invisalign® & Spark
With Invisalign® or Spark Aligners, your summer travel becomes a lot smoother—follow these smart practices to avoid treatment delays:
- Always carry your current and previous trays in a rigid aligner case—never use napkins or plastic wrap.
- Store them with your travel kit, ideally in your carry-on if you're flying.
- Avoid eating or drinking (except water) while trays are in place, and brush or rinse your teeth right after meals.
- Use travel toothbrushes and cleaning crystals for quick, hygienic maintenance wherever you are.
- Keep chewing tools (like aligner 'chewies') handy to firmly seat trays after fitting issues post-travel.
These steps help maintain the integrity of your treatment, even when life takes you off schedule.
Staying on Track: Oral Hygiene While Away
Travel disrupts daily habits—but oral care should remain a constant. Keep your smile healthy and treatment on schedule with these easy tips:
- Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily, even on busy travel days.
- Rinse with mouthwash before placing your aligners back—this removes bacteria and food particles.
- Hydrate often—dry mouth promotes bacterial buildup and can compromise oral comfort.
- Use interdental brushes during travel to clean between brackets without needing floss or water.
Healthy habits help you avoid delays in treatment and minimize the need for extra visits.
Why Families Trust Brown Family Orthodontics
At Brown Family Orthodontics, our commitment goes beyond straightening teeth—it's about delivering reliable, community-focused care. Here's why multi-generational families choose us:
- Over 50 years of trusted, family-owned orthodontic service.
- Seven local offices throughout Mississippi and Louisiana—close to home, work, and vacation spots.
- Comprehensive care: options include traditional braces, Invisalign®, and Spark aligners tailored for all ages.
- High patient satisfaction: Over 150 five-star reviews praising our supportive environment.
- Personalized attention: Doctors Jessica Ulmer and Ed Brown III (Dr. Jess & Dr. Ed) make you feel like family from your first visit.
Wherever your summer adventure takes you, your orthodontic care stays personal, accessible, and top-tier.
Conclusion: Keep Your Smile Adventure‑Ready
At Brown Family Orthodontics, we believe summer should be a season of confidence—not complications. Whether you're headed to a pool party in Madisonville, a beach day in Ocean Springs, or a road trip from Pascagoula to the mountains, your braces or aligners should never hold you back. They're just another part of your smile journey—and with the right preparation, they can travel just as smoothly as you do.
From packing the perfect travel kit to knowing which foods to avoid, every small step helps protect your treatment and comfort while you're away from home. Braces might require a little extra attention, but the payoff—a healthier, straighter, and more radiant smile—is more than worth it. And if you're using Invisalign® or Spark, our tips help ensure your trays stay safe, clean, and effective all summer long.
But here's the best part: you're never far from support. With seven convenient Brown Family Ortho locations across Louisiana and Mississippi, our team is always within reach. Whether you need advice over the phone, a quick repair when you return, or just a little encouragement to stick to your care routine while on vacation, Dr. Jess, Dr. Ed, and the entire team are here for you.
So enjoy that sunshine. Take the trip. Say yes to photos, ice cream, and every smile-worthy moment ahead. Because with Brown Family Orthodontics on your side, your summer smile is built for every adventure.
Now go make some memories—and don't forget to smile big!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I continue treatment while on vacation?
Yes! As long as you keep up with your brushing, flossing, aligner wear (20–22 hours per day), and elastics, your treatment will progress normally—even while on the road.
What should I do if I lose or damage an aligner tray during travel?
Use your previous set and call your nearest Brown Family Ortho office to arrange for a replacement or guidance. Do not skip ahead to the next tray without our approval.
Is popcorn really off-limits with braces?
Yes—popcorn kernels are a frequent culprit for stuck wires and broken brackets. Stick to soft snacks, such as yogurt or fruit cups, instead.
How do I handle soreness after long car rides or flights?
Gentle rinsing with warm salt water and over-the-counter pain relievers help. Drink plenty of water and coat wires with wax until you can see us.
Which Brown Family Ortho location should I call in an emergency?
Call the office most convenient to your current location:
- Chalmette, Metairie & Marrero: 504‑455‑1625
- Mandeville: 985‑626‑8297
- Madisonville: 985‑893‑1044
- Ocean Springs: 228‑872‑8153
- Pascagoula:
228‑762‑4403
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