Braces and Cruising?

[sistert]

Though I doubt there are any issues, I figured I'd ask just in case.

Has anyone here (regardless of age) taken a cruise while wearing braces? I'm in them (6 more months to go!) and just wanted to make sure there isn't something that I should know to make sure I have a great trip.

 

[Mumph39]

Two of my sons had braces on our last cruise. Not a problem at all. Just make sure you bring any accessories you need (wax, etc.). We made a pit stop for it before the cruise. Just have fun and don't worry! Enjoy your trip.

 

[pamelajean]

Here is my 2 cents...

My DD9 had braces when we cruised and although we did not have any problems (thankfully) we did talk to her orthodontist before we left. We asked "what to do if something breaks?" Obvoiusly there is no orthodontist on board and given the wires we were concerned. The answer we got (check with your own orthondontist) is the have some nail clippers or small wire cutters and lots of wax. He said there was nothing we could do (in "fixing" a broken wire) that he could not fix when we returned.

Better safe than sorry!!

Have a great trip.
Pam

 

[DizMare]

I agree with Pam. With two in braces, I never travel without wire cutters! (The alternative is a poor kid with a wire jabbing him in the cheek. Ouch! ) Just don't pack them in your carryon!

 

[albiats]

As an adult that wore braces, I wouldn't go anywhere without at least one full pack of dental wax. For a 3 or 4 day cruise, I'd bring at least two, for a seven day, maybe even three.

If you're prepared with an emergency plan and a tool to get the wire loose and then out, you're very far ahead of the game. If you couldn't get a broken wire loose on your own, I'd still try the ship's medical office for relief.

hope that helps

 

[sistert]

I had the hygenist make sure the ends of the wires were good and clamped down BUT I am bringing lots of wax just in case. I'll be away for 3 weeks total and not taking chances. Thanks for the nail clipper/wire cutter idea. Didn't think of that. I've never broken a wire (knock on wood) and don't want this to be the first time.

Thanks all!

 

[shefor24]

what a funny subject-- I can so relate! I am an adult and just got my braces on about 12 days ago-- man these wires drive me nuts!! Will they dig into my poor checks the whole two years??? UGH!! Yes, it sounds like I will need to get more wax for the trip. I was glad to see this post- I wonder how snorkeling is with them on?? Anyone know that?

 

[disneyholic family]

first of all, it sounds like all of you go to orthodontists who could be hired by the KGB as interogators...

as for snorkeling...asssuming that he/she didn't wire your jaws shut by accident, there should be no problem...
my son continued to scuba dive with his braces on...

and for anyone like me who thought you were referring to a body brace, we had a new one made and then took the old one as a spare....(we had the largest size carry-on possible and kept it in there....the airline baggage handlers would have massacred it)...

 

[sistert]

Originally posted by shefor24
what a funny subject-- I can so relate! I am an adult and just got my braces on about 12 days ago-- man these wires drive me nuts!! Will they dig into my poor checks the whole two years??? UGH!! Yes, it sounds like I will need to get more wax for the trip. I was glad to see this post- I wonder how snorkeling is with them on?? Anyone know that?

Once the initial discomfort goes away, you should be fine. If you get someone good, they should be able to make sure the wires in the back aren't poking (or at least not noticeably). For me, it was the brackets in the front that scratched more than anything. It could be that now that everything is straight, the scratching has stopped (or my cheeks are scar-tissued so badly I have no feeling).

Anyway... with plenty of wax I think we'll all be OK.

 

[albiats]

Originally posted by shefor24
what a funny subject-- I can so relate! I am an adult and just got my braces on about 12 days ago-- man these wires drive me nuts!! Will they dig into my poor checks the whole two years??? UGH!! Yes, it sounds like I will need to get more wax for the trip. I was glad to see this post- I wonder how snorkeling is with them on?? Anyone know that?

My advice for an adult with new braces - bring lots of wax. If it scratches the inside of your cheek, pack wax around it. Once you get it 'just right', it usually stays for awhile. Bring some Orajel to make things numb when you need it.

Another important point - don't stress about where the wax went if it isn't where you left it. I don't think the wax contains many calories. And if you hear something unusual or feel something snap or twang, stop chewing and find out what happened as quickly as possible!

Another point - don't count on getting any respect from the teens and the kids in the Orthodontist's waiting room. They'll not only snatch a magazine out of your grasp but they'll step on your shoes and crawl over you to get to them first. And whatever you do, don't sit near the toys or the crayons!

hope that helps