Whether you’re catching a flight for business or exploring the streets of Los Angeles on vacation, orthodontic care doesn’t have to take a backseat. Modern braces and clear aligners are designed to adapt to your lifestyle—including your travel plans.
Still, being away from home can pose some unique challenges. Unexpected issues, schedule disruptions, or simply being in a new environment can throw off your routine. The good news? With the right preparation and a few expert tips, managing your orthodontic treatment on the go is completely doable.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to maintain your progress, stay comfortable, and handle minor issues while traveling—whether you’re in town for a few days or a few weeks.
Why Travel Disrupts Orthodontic Routines
Orthodontic treatment depends on consistency. Regular aligner wear, good hygiene, and timely check-ins keep your treatment on track. But travel can disrupt:
- Daily schedules — Different time zones or long travel days make it easy to forget aligners or miss a brushing session.
- Oral hygiene routines — You may not have access to your usual tools (like floss threaders or mouthwash) on the road.
- Treatment monitoring — Missing a scheduled appointment may delay adjustments or aligner switches.
- Unexpected discomfort — Altitude changes, different diets, or long stretches without care can cause irritation or problems.
Planning Ahead: What to Pack
Your orthodontic travel kit should go beyond a standard toothbrush. Here’s what to bring to keep things smooth:
- Travel-size oral care essentials — Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss (or floss picks), and mouthwash
- Orthodontic wax — For protecting your mouth from poking wires or brackets
- Aligner case — Never wrap aligners in a napkin or leave them loose; use your case to avoid damage or loss
- Extra aligner trays (if applicable) — If you’re close to switching trays, bring the next set just in case
- Pain relievers — Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen can help with discomfort from pressure or irritation
- Chewies — Helpful for seating aligners fully after removal for meals
- Mini mirror — Useful for checking for food debris or loose brackets on the go
- Dental travel insurance info — Just in case you need to visit a local orthodontist during your trip
Aligner Users: Staying on Schedule
If you’re wearing clear aligners like Invisalign or lingual braces, staying disciplined while traveling is especially important. These systems rely on consistent wear—20 to 22 hours per day—to work properly.
Tips for staying on track:
- Set alarms — Use your phone to remind yourself when it’s time to put aligners back in.
- Plan meal times — Minimize unnecessary aligner removal by scheduling meals strategically.
- Clean aligners regularly — Rinse and brush them to prevent plaque buildup, especially after airport snacks or travel treats.
- Keep them in a safe place — When flying, store aligners in your carry-on bag—not in checked luggage—to avoid getting separated from them.
Braces Wearers: Avoiding Travel Setbacks
Braces are durable but not invincible—especially when you’re out of your routine. Minor issues can pop up if you’re not careful.
Common problems and quick fixes:
- Loose wire — Apply orthodontic wax and avoid hard foods until you can see a provider.
- Irritated cheeks or gums — Use wax or warm salt water rinses for relief.
- Broken bracket — Avoid further damage by steering clear of sticky or crunchy foods. Schedule a repair ASAP when you’re back home.
While in LA:
Stick to braces-friendly foods. It might be tempting to bite into that famous food truck burrito or grab a hard pretzel on the Venice Boardwalk, but softer, braces-safe options will help avoid damage while you’re away from your usual orthodontist.
Navigating Appointments While Traveling
If you’re planning a longer trip to Los Angeles, communicate with your home orthodontist before you leave. You may be able to:
- Get a travel-ready schedule — Your provider might give you multiple sets of aligners or make minor adjustments before you go.
- Delay non-urgent visits — For short-term trips, it’s often okay to delay non-critical check-ins for a week or two.
- Get emergency contacts — Know what to do and who to call in case something urgent happens during your trip.
And if you’re visiting LA for a while, some patients choose to book a temporary consult with a local orthodontist to address minor issues like a broken bracket or displaced wire. Many providers offer virtual support or same-day visits for travelers.
Traveling to Los Angeles With Orthodontics? What to Know
As a travel hub and home to top-rated providers, Los Angeles is a great place to be if you’re undergoing orthodontic care. Whether you’re here for business meetings downtown, beach days in Santa Monica, or exploring Beverly Hills, there are plenty of options if you need help mid-treatment.
Some orthodontists in LA even specialize in discreet, travel-friendly treatment options—ideal for frequent flyers or remote workers who split time between cities.
If you’re considering starting orthodontics and you know your lifestyle involves regular travel, be sure to ask about systems like:
- Invisalign or clear aligners — Easy to remove, clean, and carry
- Lingual braces — Hidden behind the teeth and great for professionals
- Remote monitoring tools — Some practices offer virtual check-ins to keep you on track while you’re away
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Travel Derail Your Smile Goals
Traveling doesn’t have to interfere with your orthodontic progress. Whether you’re on vacation in Los Angeles or juggling work trips across the country, a little preparation can keep your treatment moving forward—comfortably and confidently.
Ready to Stay on Track During Your LA Trip?
If you’re visiting Los Angeles and need expert help while you’re here—or if you’re a frequent traveler looking to start treatment with flexibility—our team is here to support you. We specialize in modern orthodontic care that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, whether you’re always on the move or just passing through.
Let’s make sure your smile journey keeps up with your travel plans. Contact us today to get started.