Travel is a thrill—new places, new cuisines, and new opportunities! But if you have undergone the treatment of Invisalign, you may be wondering, “How do I travel with my aligners?”
Good news! Invisalign is flexible and convenient by design, which means you can travel while keeping on track with your treatment plan!
With a little foresight, you can make your aligners clean, safe, and effective—from anywhere in the world. If you aim to get Invisalign in SW Calgary, read this whole blog to know how to travel with it.
Plan Ahead: Packing to Make Travel Easy
In the days leading up to your trip, spend just a few minutes planning your Invisalign travel essentials. Don’t forget to pack:
- Your Invisalign case: You should always have this to store your aligners safely during meals.
- Extra Aligners: Be sure to pack your next set of aligners in case your trip is extended or you lose your current aligner.
- Cleaning Essentials: Pack travel-sized toothpaste, a toothbrush with a soft-bristle head, and some type of aligner cleaning crystals or tablets.
- Travel-sized Mouthwash: A quick way to freshen your mouth when brushing is not possible.
A little foresight can save you a lot of hassle and keep your smile on track while you travel.
See Your Dentist Before You Go
Before you head off on your annual trip, it is a good idea to have a quick check-up at your dentist in SW Calgary to make sure that you are on track with your treatment program, see how your aligners fit, and even get some suggestions regarding travel. Plus, your dentist may be able to provide you with your next set of trays if you are leaving the country for an extended time.
Having a competent professional weigh off so you can enjoy your travel without interruptions in your plan.
Invisalign on the Go: Keep it Clean and Safe
When exploring new places, it’s easy to let your routine slide—but your Invisalign needs care and maintenance. Some of these habits are
- Brush before Reinserting: Be sure to brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners.
- Rinse Aligners: If you can’t brush, rinse your aligners under cool water to help wash away debris.
- Avoid Hot Water: Hot water will warp your aligners and change their shape.
- Carry a Small Cleaning Kit: Get a small cleaning kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and cleaning crystals. That way, no matter where you are, you will be able to maintain your hygiene.
Having a well-established routine will have you rocking your clear aligners without smells or stains, even during a long travel day.
Eating While Travelling: Handle Meal Times Wisely
Travel is often about food and tasty venues, but again, portion control should be on your mind.
Here are a few smart travel eating tips:
- Remove your aligners: Remove your aligners before eating or drinking (other than water).
- Keep your aligner case handy: You always want to keep your aligner case with you so you don’t accidentally leave it behind or wrap it in a napkin.
- Rinse: After eating, simply rinse your mouth and your aligners under running water.
- Mind the drinks: You should be mindful of what you drink; try not to drink sugary drinks or drinks with color unless you’re fine with stains or bacteria.
If you are unable to brush your teeth, rinse with water or mouthwash until you can brush.
Stick to Your Routine
Travelling through time zones can make it more difficult to remember when to change your aligners or wear them. However, practicing the same routine is essential to getting the best results! Use the following tips:
- Set alarms or reminders on your cellphone to change your aligners or put them back in after eating.
- Wear your aligners for at least 20–22 hours each day, even while travelling or sightseeing.
- Carry your aligner schedule card with you, or take a picture of it to track when you need to change your aligners next.
That will ensure that your treatment is right on schedule, regardless of how far you are from home.
Hygiene Tips while on the Road
Keeping up with your oral hygiene while travelling can be challenging. Here are some suggestions:
- Bring travel toothbrushes or disposable mini-brushes if you are out camping.
- Carry xylitol mints or gum to refresh your mouth between meals.
- Always put your aligners back into their case so they do not get damaged or contaminated while travelling.
If you ever need to put the aligners away while travelling—never wrap them in tissues—they can easily get misplaced or thrown away!
What to Do If You Misplace or Break an Aligner?
No need to worry! If you misplace or damage the aligners, you can:
- Move to the aligner you last had to avoid your teeth from drifting back.
- Go to a dentist near you and ask them what to do as soon as you can.
- Bring the next aligner set with you for longer trips. Your dentist can tell you when you should use that aligner.
Being prepared and ready leads to a smooth transition of your treatment plan, even with travelling hiccups.
Bonus Tip: Keep Smiling in Pictures!
Vacation photos are the best mementos—so do not be afraid to show those teeth! Your aligners are clear, which means that the pictures will capture the experience without worrying about metal brackets or wires. Because your aligners are working quietly behind the scenes to get closer to that desired smile, you get to enjoy the world at the same time!
Travel Light, Smile Bright—with Cedarbrae Family Dental by your side!
Invisalign gives you the ability to stay on top of your orthodontics, no matter if you’re working or travelling. With some simple planning, hygiene awareness, and dentist feedback, you can keep your smile journey right on track.
At Cedarbrae Family Dental, as the dentist of choice for SW Calgary, we enable our clients to enjoy the freedom that Invisalign has given them, whether in Canada or abroad. If you are considering starting or already continuing your smile journey, visit our friendly team right away. Make sure your smile and your trip stay picture perfect — and don’t wait to book an Appointment today!