Holiday Ready Tips for Traveling With Invisalign

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, taking a cross-country road trip, or heading overseas for a few weeks, traveling is an exciting opportunity to explore somewhere new. But if you’re currently straightening your teeth with Invisalign, you might be wondering how to keep your treatment on track while you’re away from home.

The good news is that Invisalign is designed to fit into your lifestyle, and traveling with clear aligners doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little preparation, you can enjoy your adventures without putting your progress on the back burner. Here are some helpful tips!

1. Pack an Invisalign Travel Kit

Before you leave, put together a small kit with everything you’ll need to care for your aligners. Consider including:

• Your current aligners and their protective case.
• A travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Dental floss or floss picks.
• An approved aligner cleaning solution.
• Your next set of aligners, if you’re scheduled to switch while traveling.

Keep your kit somewhere convenient, like your carry-on bag or purse. That way, you’ll have everything you need when it’s time to eat, brush, and put your aligners back in.

2. Stick to Your Daily Wear Schedule

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re exploring a new destination, enjoying a long dinner, or catching up with friends. However, Invisalign typically requires wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, depending on your treatment plan.

Set reminders on your phone to help you remember when to put your trays back in after meals. Try to avoid unnecessarily long breaks, even when you’re on vacation. Consistency is important because wearing your aligners as directed helps your teeth move according to your treatment plan.

3. Be Prepared for Meals and Snacks

One of the perks of Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners to enjoy your favorite foods. However, this also means you’ll need to plan ahead when eating on the go.

Before meals, remove your aligners and place them in their protective case rather than wrapping them in a napkin. It’s surprisingly easy to accidentally throw them away!

After eating, brush and floss your teeth before putting your trays back in. If you can’t brush immediately, rinse your mouth with water and brush as soon as practical.

Remember that you should only drink plain water while wearing your aligners. Other beverages can stain your trays or expose your teeth to sugars and acids.

4. Keep Your Aligners Clean

Traveling doesn’t mean taking a vacation from your oral hygiene routine! Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water whenever you remove them, and clean them regularly using products approved for your device.

Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic and affect the fit. Also, don’t forget to brush and floss consistently to prevent plaque and food debris from becoming trapped beneath your aligners.

5. Plan Ahead for Longer Trips

If you’ll be traveling for several weeks, check your treatment schedule before leaving. Make sure you have the appropriate aligner sets for any planned tray changes, along with a backup set if your provider recommends one.

It’s also a good idea to schedule a checkup before an extended trip. Your dentist can evaluate your progress, discuss upcoming aligner changes, and help you prepare for any potential issues.

If you lose or damage an aligner while traveling, contact your dental provider for instructions instead of guessing which tray to wear next.

Enjoy Your Adventures While Straightening Your Smile

With a little planning and consistency, you can keep your Invisalign treatment moving forward while making memories along the way!

About the Practice

Philip A. Lisk, DDS, provides personalized dental care in Raleigh, NC, with a focus on helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. Dr. Lisk has more than 20 years of experience in general dentistry and earned his dental degree from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in 1997. He offers Invisalign for adults and teens, helping patients straighten their teeth with a discreet, convenient alternative to traditional braces. Dr. Lisk is committed to continuing education and providing comfortable, individualized treatment for every patient.

Call us at (919) 870-6892 or schedule your appointment online