When you’re at home, it’s very easy to manage your Invisalign treatment. All you have to do is remember to wear your clear aligners for 22 hours per day, take them out when you eat, and clean them afterward. But what about when you’re on vacation? If you’re going out of town soon, you might be worried about falling behind on your treatment plan. To make things easier, follow these four simple tips for traveling with Invisalign.
1. Pack the Essentials
You’ve probably packed a dental travel kit before on previous trips. Luckily, an Invisalign travel kit contains many of the same items. When packing, be sure to include:
- Travel toothbrush – Bring multiple toothbrushes and store them in easily accessible places, such as your carry-on or a handbag. That way, you’ll always be able to brush your teeth after eating and before placing your aligners back in.
- Floss – At least once a day, you should floss to clear food debris and bacteria from between your teeth.
- Mouthwash – Rinsing can clean areas of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss cannot reach.
2. Bring Extra Aligners
If you’re planning on being away for more than a few weeks, you’ll most likely need to switch to a new set of aligners during your travels. Plan ahead and take some extra aligners with you. This can also help if you misplace one of your trays. Wearing a different set of aligners may not be ideal, but it can at least prevent your teeth from shifting back into crooked positions.
3. Stick to a Routine
Vacation gives you a chance to leave your responsibilities at home, but that doesn’t mean you can slack on your oral hygiene routine. Remember to brush and floss after every single food and beverage (except plain water) that you consume.
While Invisalign gives you the freedom to eat what you want, your treatment progress will be delayed unless you wear the trays for at least 22 hours a day. Instead of leisurely sipping a piña colada on the beach all day, set a timer to make sure you stay on track with your treatment plan.
4. Let Your Dentist Know Before You Go
If you can, schedule a checkup with your dentist before you embark on your journey. At this appointment, your dentist can let you know how your treatment is progressing, provide you with the next few sets of aligners, and answer any questions you have about traveling with Invisalign. They can also examine your mouth and detect any oral health concerns that could otherwise turn into a pain emergency during your trip.
Just because you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun vacation. Keep these tips in mind when you travel, and you’ll have a beautiful, straight smile before you know it!
About the Author
Dr. Jason Hong earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry. In the almost two decades since then, he has completed 300+ hours of continuing education courses every year. Today, he has a Masters Certification in progressive orthodontics and is an Invisalign certified provider. To learn more about traveling with Invisalign, contact Dr. Hong’s Clarendon Hills, IL dental practice at 630-789-1555.