One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is how seamlessly it fits into everyday life. There are no brackets, no wires, and no major disruptions to your diet or oral hygiene! But what happens when you’re traveling, and your daily routine seems to go out the window? Whether you’re heading out for a weekend road trip or catching a flight to spend some time abroad, traveling can (and will) test your commitment to your Invisalign treatment. But with a little preparation, you can easily keep things right on track.
1. Pack Your Invisalign Case First
It might seem obvious, but your aligner case is one of the most important things to bring with you when you travel. Without it, you’re far more likely to wrap your aligners in a napkin at a restaurant or leave them sitting on the hotel nightstand—and this is a sure way for them to end up lost, damaged, or thrown away by mistake. Pack your case in your carry-on or personal bag so it’s always within reach. If you have room, tossing a backup case into your checked luggage is also wise.
2. Keep Track of Your Wear Time
Invisalign aligners need to be worn for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours per day to move your teeth like they’re supposed to, and if you aren’t paying attention while traveling, you can easily miss this mark. Long meals, snacking while sightseeing, or going out for drinks can add up faster than you may expect. To stay on track, wear a watch with a timer or use a stopwatch feature on your phone. You can even use the Invisalign app to closely monitor how many hours you’re wearing your aligners each day.
3. Bring the Right Cleaning Supplies
You’ll be happy to hear that you don’t need to overhaul your packing list while traveling with Invisalign. That said, a travel-sized toothbrush, a small bottle of mild dish soap, and your Invisalign cleaning crystals are really all you need. Rinse your aligners with cool water every time you remove them and brush them gently with soap to prevent buildup and odor. Always be sure to avoid using hot water, which can warp the plastic. Also, keep in mind that if you’re traveling somewhere and you can’t drink the water there, you shouldn’t use it for rinsing your aligners, either!
4. Switch Aligners on Schedule
Typically, you will need to swap to your next set of Invisalign aligners every 2 weeks to keep up with your treatment progress. If your scheduled switch day falls while you’re away, go ahead and make the swap as planned. It helps to bring your current trays and the next set with you so that you’re always prepared. Don’t swap early or late unless instructed by your provider!
Traveling with Invisalign doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right supplies and a little awareness around your wear time, you can explore the world and still come home right on track with your treatment!
About the Practice
Worcester Dental Arts, our team is proud to offer Invisalign clear aligner treatment to patients throughout the Worcester area. Whether you’re just starting your smile journey or have questions about managing your treatment on the go, we’re here to help every step of the way. Contact us today or call us at (508) 793-2114 for more information or to schedule your Invisalign consultation.
