Travel is one of the most exciting things you can do for a vacation! If you wear Invisalign to straighten your smile, you may have reservations about whether you can keep up with your treatment. But there’s no need to worry; traveling with Invisalign doesn’t have to disrupt your treatment or your plans! Read on to find five essential tips to help you travel confidently with your aligners.
1: Pack an Invisalign Travel Kit
One of the best ways to stay on track with your treatment while traveling is to pack a dedicated travel kit with all your essentials. Here’s what it should hold:
- A toothbrush and toothpaste: Keep your aligners and teeth clean by brushing after every meal, even on the go!
- Floss: Daily flossing is important to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup.
- Aligner case: Always have a protective case with you to store your aligners when you’re eating or drinking.
- Cleaning crystals or tablets: These can help you more easily keep your aligners fresh and clear during your trip.
Having these items on hand will make it easier to stick to your Invisalign routine, no matter where you are.
2: Plan Ahead for Meals
When you’re traveling, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. However, sometimes this can lead to either forgetting to remove your aligners before eating or keeping them off too long. To avoid this, try to plan your meals ahead of time. Doing so can ensure you keep your aligners clean and avoid missing your recommended wear time of 20 to 22 hours.
3: Bring a Water Bottle
Drinking water is not only good for your overall health, but it also helps keep your aligners clean and free from food particles. To make sure you get adequate hydration, it’s a good idea to invest in a personal water bottle. Some bottles are even collapsable so you can put them in a backpack or purse to keep them with you! A good strategy is to drink water after every meal and snack to keep plaque to a minimum.
4: Prepare for the Worst
While you shouldn’t expect something to go wrong with your treatment, being prepared is never a bad thing. Before your trip, ask your dentist for advice on handling emergencies. They might suggest bringing your previous (or next) set of aligners as a backup. This way, if your current aligners break or get misplaced during your trip, you won’t be knocked off course.
5: Relax
You’re about to go on vacation, so there’s no need to stress, especially not over small things. Even if you miss your wear time or forget to brush a couple of times, you’re not sunk! While the ideal circumstances involve you being extra diligent about your treatment, the most important thing is that you experience everything your trip has to offer!
Traveling with Invisalign doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation and the right mindset, you can enjoy your trip while staying on track with your treatment. If you need more guidance, even during your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. They’ll be glad to help ensure your success.
About the Author
Dr. Kolade Akinwande is a passionate dentist with an extensive education from the Howard University College of Dentistry. She enjoys helping her patients achieve their brightest, straightest smiles through quality dental care and leading-edge technology. Call (904) 287-0033 to schedule an Invisalign appointment at Open Smiles Dental or visit our website to learn more about what we do.