So, you’ve finally made it to Florida. Whether you’re here for a beach getaway, visiting family, or taking in the sights in Fort Lauderdale, the last thing you want to deal with is something going wrong with your braces. But hey, life happens. A wire might start poking you out of nowhere, a bracket can break loose after biting into a burger, or maybe you accidentally left your Invisalign tray at your hotel. Whatever the case, if you’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment and something goes wrong while you’re traveling, don’t panic. You’ve got options—and you can absolutely still enjoy your trip.
Understanding what to do when a bracket breaks or a wire pops loose is part of being prepared during orthodontic treatment. Braces are tough, but they’re not indestructible. Knowing how to handle small issues while you’re away from your home orthodontist is important, especially when you’re in a new city like Fort Lauderdale or traveling across Florida. A minor problem doesn’t have to ruin your trip if you know how to respond calmly and confidently.
First, let’s talk about how these things happen. Brackets can break or come loose when you bite into something hard or sticky—think chips, hard bread, chewy candy, or even crunchy vegetables. It can also happen if you get hit in the mouth while playing sports or roughhousing at the beach. Wires can shift or come out of place if the tension changes or if a bracket breaks. Invisalign users might lose a tray or accidentally leave one behind while dining out or swimming. These things aren’t fun, but they’re common, and they’re usually not a major orthodontic emergency.
If something breaks, the most important thing to do is stay calm. It’s easy to worry when you feel something sharp or notice a piece of your braces is loose. But remember, in most cases, it’s not dangerous—it’s just uncomfortable. Your job is to manage the situation until you can either get to a local orthodontist or return home.
Let’s say a wire starts poking you. This is one of the most common issues people face while traveling. Maybe it’s sticking out from the back bracket, or maybe it shifted and is now irritating your cheek. If you packed an orthodontic travel kit (and if you didn’t, now’s a good time to make one when you get home), use your orthodontic wax. Take a small piece, roll it between your fingers to soften it, and place it over the sharp end of the wire. That will keep it from rubbing against your mouth. If the wire is long and really bothering you, you can carefully use a clean pair of nail clippers or travel scissors to snip the end—but only do this if you’re comfortable and confident doing it safely.
Now, if a bracket breaks or comes loose, don’t pull it off. If it’s still attached to the wire and just floating around, you can gently slide it back into place and cover it with orthodontic wax to keep it from moving too much. The wax acts like a cushion and helps prevent irritation. Avoid eating anything hard or chewy, and be extra careful while brushing. Try to keep the area clean to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid adding any extra pressure to that part of your mouth.
If the bracket falls off completely and you still have it, put it in a small bag or container and bring it with you to your next orthodontic appointment. Your orthodontist can reattach it once you’re back. Just make sure not to ignore the issue entirely—while it’s not usually a full-blown emergency, broken brackets can slow down your progress if left untreated too long.
Now let’s talk about Invisalign. If you’re using clear aligners and you lose a tray while traveling, the first thing to do is check your case, your bag, your hotel bathroom—everywhere. If you can’t find it and you brought your next set of trays with you, call your orthodontist and ask if it’s okay to move on to the next one early. Depending on how long you wore your current tray, they may say it’s fine. If not, they might recommend going back to your previous aligner to hold your teeth in place until you can get a replacement. The key here is to keep your teeth from shifting out of alignment while you’re between trays.
It’s a good idea to save your previous and next aligner trays while traveling, just in case. Keeping them in a safe place, like a labeled case in your bag, can save you a lot of stress if one gets lost. And if you’re traveling around Florida for a while, your home orthodontist might even be able to mail you a replacement, especially if you’re going to be away for more than a few days.
Now let’s get into what not to do. Don’t ignore the problem. It might be tempting to just ride it out until you get home, but if something is painful or causing irritation, it’s worth addressing sooner. Even though it’s probably not a serious emergency, pain and discomfort can affect your ability to eat, sleep, and enjoy your vacation. And if a broken bracket or poking wire is left untreated for too long, it might affect your overall orthodontic treatment.
Also, don’t try to fix everything yourself unless it’s a very minor issue. Cutting wires, removing brackets, or forcing anything back into place can make the problem worse. Use wax for comfort, keep your mouth clean, and contact your orthodontist for guidance. If it feels serious or you’re in pain, look for a local orthodontist or emergency dental clinic near you. Many orthodontic practices in Florida—including in cities like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Orlando—have emergency hours or offer appointments for travelers who need help.
When you’re searching for help while on the road, use terms like “orthodontic emergency near me” or “emergency orthodontist in Fort Lauderdale.” Make sure to read reviews and confirm they treat visitors. Some clinics might even be able to coordinate with your home orthodontist to make sure everything stays on track with your treatment.
If you’ve got kids or teens in braces, being prepared while traveling becomes even more important. Pack an orthodontic emergency kit with essentials like orthodontic wax, floss, a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and maybe a small mirror. It doesn’t take up much space and it’s incredibly helpful when something goes wrong. Encourage your kids to tell you if something feels off, and check their braces regularly while on the trip. Being proactive helps avoid surprises —and unnecessary stress.
Of course, the best thing you can do is try to prevent issues from happening in the first place. That means avoiding risky foods, brushing and flossing regularly, and being gentle when playing sports or swimming. Biting into things like ice, hard pretzels, corn on the cob, or even chewing on pens can put unnecessary stress on your braces. And if you’re going on a long trip, it’s worth checking in with your orthodontist before you go to make sure everything looks good.
In some cases, a pre-vacation checkup can help catch a loose wire or weak bracket before it becomes a problem. Your orthodontist can also give you extra wax or tips for managing your specific type of braces, whether you’re using ceramic braces, metal braces, or Invisalign.
If something does happen while you’re in Fort Lauderdale, you’re in good hands. There are many skilled orthodontists in the area who are used to seeing both locals and out-of-town patients. Don’t be afraid to call and explain the situation. Most offices are happy to help, especially if it means preventing bigger issues later.
Traveling with braces doesn’t have to be stressful. A little preparation, a good attitude, and knowing what to do in case of a broken bracket or poking wire can make all the difference. Your orthodontic treatment doesn’t stop just because you’re on vacation—but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy yourself. Handle small problems as they come, stay in touch with your orthodontist, and keep taking care of your smile.
Remember, this is just one chapter in your journey toward a healthier, straighter smile. Don’t let a small hiccup take away from the amazing memories you’re making during your trip. Whether you’re exploring theme parks, relaxing on a Fort Lauderdale beach, or catching sunsets on the Gulf Coast, you’ve got this.
Need advice about traveling with braces or dealing with a bracket emergency? Our expert team in Fort Lauderdale is here to help. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, we’ve got your back. Contact our office today for support and trusted care from the orthodontics Fort Lauderdale community counts on.
Dr. Ovy Quintanal is a South Florida orthodontist and the founder of Oceanside Orthodontics in Fort Lauderdale, FL.