Traveling can be exciting, whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or flying across the world. But if you’re in the middle of Invisalign treatment, you might wonder how to keep your routine on track while you’re on the move. Fortunately, Invisalign is one of the most travel-friendly orthodontic options available! With a little preparation, you can enjoy your trip and protect your investment at the same time. Here are some easy and practical tips to make traveling with Invisalign a breeze.
Pack the Essentials
Before you leave, gather a small “Invisalign travel kit.” Include your case, extra aligners, if any, your cleaning crystals, a small toothbrush, and a travel-sized tube of toothpaste. Alcohol-free hand wipes are also helpful if you need to remove your aligners when a sink isn’t available.
Keep everything in one pouch to make sure you’re never scrambling to find what you need when you need it.
Be Mindful of Your Routine
While traveling, time tends to fly, and distractions are inevitable. However, it’s still important to wear your aligners 20–22 hours a day.
To minimize disruptions to your routine, try to keep your meals and snacks on a schedule, so your wear time stays consistent. If you’re crossing time zones, don’t stress—just use an app to keep track of the time back home, so you stay on target.
Keep Your Aligners Around
When you’re at home, you might be used to tucking your aligners in a napkin or setting them aside. However, when you’re travelling, this is the easiest way to lose them. When you go out to eat or even when you’re chowing down in your car, always place them in their case. Many aligners get thrown away accidentally or lost between seats while on vacation, so using your case every time is one of the best habits you can build.
Brush After Meals (When You Can)
Ideally, you should brush after eating before putting your aligners back in every time. However, traveling often means eating fast and getting back to your itinerary.
If it isn’t possible to brush, even with your Invisalign travel kit handy, rinsing your mouth with water is a good temporary solution. This keeps food and pigments that cause odors and staining from getting trapped under your trays until you can brush properly.
Invisalign is designed to fit your lifestyle—even if it takes you across the globe. With a little planning and the right equipment, you can protect your investment and stay comfortable throughout your travels. A healthy, confident smile is the best souvenir you can bring home!
About the Author
Dr. Alex J. Johnson has over 30 years of experience helping patients of all ages feel confident in their smiles. He earned his dental doctorate and orthodontic certificate from Washington University. Today, Dr. Johnson is a board-certified orthodontist committed to continuous learning and making treatment comfortable and effective for every patient. Call (727) 786-7550 to schedule a clear aligners consultation at Dr. Alex Johnson Orthodontics, or visit our website to see a full menu of services.