Recently got braces or Invisalign? Complete your back-to-school prep by packing a travel-sized braces or Invisalign supplies kit. Here, Dr. Scheer and the Shine Orthodontics team suggest 10 orthodontic supplies to make sure you can stay on top of your orthodontics care and oral hygiene wherever you are, at school, activities, or out and about.
1. Travel Sized Toothbrush
With braces or Invisalign, Dr. Scheer suggests brushing after every meal and snack. This helps remove food debris and plaque from around brackets and wires if you have braces. And if you have Invisalign? Brushing before you put your clear aligners back in after eating (or drinking anything other than water) helps prevent trapped food debris or plaque between your teeth and your clear aligners.
2. Toothpaste To Go
Toothpaste for your orthodontic supplies kit can be the same fluoride one you use at home, just a smaller size. Or pack pre-pasted, single-use toothbrushes like these Colgate Wisps: a handy toothbrush and toothpaste in one!
3. Dental Floss
Many of our new braces and Invisalign patients ask us what kind of floss they should use during orthodontic treatment. Dr. Scheer recommends going with what’s most comfortable. Whether you like traditional waxed floss, ribbon floss, Superfloss, or orthodontic flossers, always have some ready in your braces or Invisalign travel kit.
4. Interdental Pick/Brush
You can think of an interdental brush as the tiniest toothpick/floss hybrid you’ve ever seen: it’s a slim toothpick with tiny bristles at one end. You use an interdental pick to easily dislodge food stuck in your braces or to clean between teeth instead of dental floss.
5. Mini Mouthwash To Fight Lingering Oral Bacteria
We all want fresh breath, right? Even though brushing and flossing go the distance, a swish of mouthwash offers an extra boost against lingering oral bacteria and bad breath. The best mouthwashes if you have orthodontics? Look for ingredients that aim to soothe sore gums and contain fluoride.
6. Wax for Braces Discomfort and Emergencies
Oral discomfort from wires pressing against your tongue or the inside of your lips and cheeks is common with braces at first. To help alleviate this, include some braces wax in your travel braces kit. Apply a slightly flattened, pea-sized amount onto the problem area. Remove the wax with dental floss or an interdental pick.
Wax for braces is also handy for a braces emergency like a broken braces bracket. Use the wax to anchor the bracket until you can come in to get it looked at by Dr. Scheer.
7. Braces Mouthguard
A custom mouthguard protects your braces and teeth when you’re playing sports. If you’re wearing clear aligners, you’ll need to take them out and replace them with a custom sports mouthguard during your activity.
8. Compact Mirror
A small mirror is handy for checking on food debris in your braces or teeth and making sure your Invisalign trays are correctly seated.
9. Tissue
From drying fingers after applying braces wax to cleaning up a bit of drool, toothpaste, or water, travel sized tissue is an indispensable part of your orthodontic supplies kit.
10. Invisalign Storage Case
If you’re using Invisalign to transform your smile, an Invisalign storage case in your orthodontic supplies kit is a must. Storing your clear aligners in their case helps you keep them clean, prevents damage, and ensures you don’t lose them.
More Questions About On-the-Go Orthodontic Supplies?
Board certified orthodontist, Dr. Scheer, and the friendly Shine Orthodontics team is happy to answer your questions about caring for your braces, Invisalign, or teeth while you’re on the go. We’re here to help you make the most out of your orthodontic treatment. And whether you’ve got Invisalign, modern metal, clear, or InBrace braces, your smile success includes how you care for them and your oral health everyday.
Give us a shout or make an appointment to visit our bright, state-of-the-art Thornton, CO orthodontist office.
