Escott Orthodontics: Braces-Friendly Travel Tips for a Stress-Free Summer

From road trips to flights, stay prepared and protect your braces wherever you go.
Introduction
Vacations should be all sunshine and smiles—but if you're traveling with
braces, a little planning goes a long way. At Escott Orthodontics, especially here at our
Baldwin Park location, we know that summer adventures can come with unexpected challenges for your smile. Whether you're exploring Florida's coast or jet-setting out of Orlando International, our team wants to make sure your braces don't get in the way of your fun.
With over 580 five-star reviews and multiple "Best of the Best - Orthodontist" awards from Lake Sumpter Style Magazine, Escott Orthodontics—led by
Dr. Christopher Escott and
Dr. Hunter Davis—has helped thousands of patients keep their orthodontic treatment on track no matter where life takes them.
We're here to share real-life, braces-friendly travel tips that are easy to follow, quick to pack, and guaranteed to keep your smile safe on the go.
Why Summer Travel Is Tricky for Braces Wearers
Summer break is a perfect time to unwind, but it can quickly disrupt your braces routine. You're eating out more, brushing less often, and packing light—sometimes too light, leaving key braces supplies behind. Add in long car rides or flights, and it's easy to encounter minor orthodontic issues, such as poking wires, loose brackets, or general discomfort.
Even the best-maintained braces can be vulnerable to travel hiccups if you're not prepared. Foods you don't normally eat, sleeping in different time zones, or skipping elastics for a day or two can slow your progress.
That's why we always remind our Baldwin Park patients to treat their braces care like sunscreen—pack it, plan it, and never skip it. Keeping up your routine, even during vacation mode, is what keeps your treatment timeline—and your smile—right on track.
Building the Ultimate Dental Travel Kit
Let's talk about travel kits. Your braces don't need a suitcase of their own, but they
do need a little space in your carry-on or day bag. Having the right tools handy can turn a potential braces emergency into a non-issue in seconds.
Here's What Every Braces-Wearer Should Pack:
- Orthodontic wax – For sudden wire irritation
- Travel toothbrush & fluoride toothpaste – A must after every meal
- Floss or floss picks – Especially the kind designed for braces
- Interdental brushes – Great for clearing food between brackets
- Mirror – Helps when adjusting wax or checking for issues
- Small tweezers – Useful if a wire shifts
- Over-the-counter pain reliever – For soreness or pressure
- Elastics (if prescribed) – Don't forget your extras!
- Compact mouth rinse – A quick refresh when brushing isn't possible
Put all of this in a zip-up pouch and keep it within easy reach. If you're flying, take it in your carry-on—luggage delays shouldn't delay your braces care.
Smart Snacks and Foods to Avoid While Traveling
Travel is full of tempting treats—and that's fine! You
can enjoy great food on vacation, but knowing what to skip is key. One hard pretzel or crunchy chip could mean an unexpected visit to the ortho.
Travel-Friendly Foods for Braces:
- Yogurt cups
- Soft sandwiches
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies
- Pasta dishes
- Banana slices or watermelon cubes
- Mashed potatoes or soft-cooked vegetables
Foods to Avoid (Even on Vacation):
- Corn on the cob (unless cut off the cob)
- Sticky candies and gummies
- Hard breads, bagels, or pizza crust
- Ice or frozen fruit to chew
- Chips, pretzels, and popcorn
- Ribs or chicken wings with bones
Enjoy local cuisine—just do it smart. When in doubt, ask yourself:
Can I chew this with my molars without stress? If not, skip it and protect your brackets.
Handling Braces Emergencies On-the-Go
If a bracket pops off during a meal or a wire starts poking on a rollercoaster ride, don't panic. Most orthodontic issues while traveling are temporary and manageable until you return to Baldwin Park or your local Escott Ortho office.
Here's How to Handle It:
- Loose Bracket? If it's not painful, leave it alone and cover it with wax. Bring it up at your next appointment.
- Poking Wire? Use the eraser end of a pencil to gently tuck it in, then add wax to cover the area.
- Soreness? Take a mild pain reliever and stick to a soft food diet for 24 hours.
Our Baldwin Park team is just a call away at
407-898-6711—ready to guide you through any surprise smile situations while you're on the road.
Aligner Tips for Summer Vacations
If you're wearing
Invisalign® or clear aligners this summer, you're already ahead of the curve when it comes to travel convenience. No food restrictions, no brackets, and no emergency wire pokes—but don't let that fool you into thinking your aligners don't require care on the go.
Top Tips for Aligner Wearers Traveling This Summer:
- Bring your current and previous set of trays in case one is lost or damaged.
- Never eat or drink (except water) with your trays in. Sugary or acidic drinks can quickly warp or stain them.
- Rinse or brush after every meal before reinserting trays.
- Pack your aligner case—and never wrap your trays in a napkin (they get thrown out too easily).
- Use chewies after long wear breaks (like flights or long drives) to reseat trays properly.
Your trays need to stay in 20–22 hours a day, even on vacation. Stick to that rule, and your smile progress won't skip a beat.
How to Stay on Schedule with Your Treatment While Traveling
We get it—when you're in vacation mode, routines tend to slip. But consistency is everything when it comes to orthodontic progress. Whether you wear braces or Invisalign®, sticking to your treatment plan on the road helps you stay on track and avoid falling behind.
Simple Strategies to Stay On-Track:
- Set phone reminders to put your trays back in or to wear your elastics.
- Keep your supplies in your day bag—you never know when you'll need them.
- Track your tray schedule in a notes app or planner so you know when to switch.
- Brush morning, night, and after eating—every day. Don't let that slip.
- Make your next Escott Ortho appointment before you leave. That way, you're set up for success when you return.
Taking care of your smile on vacation is just like applying sunscreen—it only takes a minute but makes a world of difference in the long run.
Baldwin Park Braces Patients: Travel Tips Just for You
Living in Baldwin Park gives you access to some of Orlando's best local events, lakes, and summer destinations. But whether you're staying local or heading out of state, your Escott Ortho team at our Baldwin Park location is here to keep you covered.
Local Summer Travel Tips:
- Pack your dental kit for day trips.
- If you're going to theme parks, bring a case for your aligners and a quick rinse kit.
- Swing by our Baldwin Park office before a long trip if you need extra elastics, wax, or a quick check.
Our office is conveniently located in your neighborhood, and we're here for quick appointments or last-minute supplies whenever you need them. Call us at
407-898-6711, and we'll ensure you're all set.
Why Families Across Orlando Trust Escott Ortho
With a legacy of award-winning care and a reputation for putting families first, Escott Orthodontics has become one of Central Florida's most trusted names in braces and Invisalign®. Escott Ortho stands out with its easy access, friendly team, and commitment to making orthodontic care stress-free—even during summer travel.
Here's What Sets Us Apart:
- Named "Best of the Best – Orthodontist" by Lake Sumpter Style Magazine four years in a row
- Three convenient locations—Baldwin Park, College Park, and Lake County
- Flexible appointment scheduling for busy summer calendars
- Personalized treatment plans for kids, teens, and adults
- Transparent pricing, modern tech, and top-tier care
We don't just straighten teeth—we make the process enjoyable and empowering for every patient.
Conclusion: Travel Confidently with Escott Orthodontics
Summer is meant to be enjoyed—and your braces or aligners shouldn't get in the way of that. Whether you're heading across town or across the country, a little preparation goes a long way in making your orthodontic journey smooth and stress-free.
At Escott Orthodontics, we're proud to help our patients smile confidently no matter where life takes them. Our team is here to support your travel plans with expert advice, emergency tips, and everything you need to stay on track.
Pack smart, stick to your routine, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need us while you're away. We're just a phone call away—and ready to keep your summer smile shining bright.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel with braces or aligners without pausing treatment?
Yes! As long as you maintain your hygiene routine, follow your doctor's instructions, and pack your essential orthodontic items, you can continue your treatment while traveling without any issues.
What if I break a bracket or lose a tray while on vacation?
Give us a call. We'll help you determine whether it can wait or if you should visit a local orthodontist until you return.
How do I care for my aligners on the go?
Keep them in a case when not in use, clean them with cool water and a toothbrush, and never eat or drink (except water) while wearing them.
Can I swim with braces or aligners?
Absolutely! Braces are water-safe. If you wear aligners, be sure to remove them when snacking at the pool and put them back in immediately afterward.
Do I need to notify my orthodontist if I'm traveling?
It's a good idea! We can provide extra supplies, check your progress, and make sure you have everything you need before you leave.
Ready For Your Smile to Shine?




