Love it, actually look forward to going to see the dentist, 10/10, it’s like a mouth massage
Whether you’re soaking up the last days of summer vacation or heading off for a fall getaway, traveling with Invisalign doesn’t have to complicate your plans. With a little preparation, you can keep your treatment on track while still enjoying every moment of your trip. Here’s how to make it smooth, stress-free, and smile-friendly.
1. Pack an Invisalign Travel Kit
Just like you wouldn’t travel without your phone charger, you’ll want to bring along a few key items to care for your aligners on the go. A basic Invisalign travel kit can make all the difference when you’re out of your normal routine.
Make sure to pack a compact toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste, a must for cleaning after meals. Don’t forget your floss, a small bottle of mouthwash, and your aligner case. Never wrap your trays in a napkin (they’re easy to lose or throw away that way).
Pro tip: Consider adding a small mirror, hand sanitizer, and a pack of Invisalign cleaning crystals or retainer wipes. That way, you can clean your aligners even if you’re in a hotel room or roadside bathroom.
2. Bring an Extra Set of Aligners
Things happen. Aligners can get lost, broken, or accidentally thrown away. If you’re close to switching to your next set, bring both your current and your next aligners. That way, if something goes wrong, you’re not stuck without a backup.
If you lose a set, call our office immediately. We can advise you whether to move forward with the next set or temporarily wear the previous one, depending on where you are in your treatment.
Just in case: Label your aligner cases clearly if you’re traveling with multiple sets. Keeping them in separate containers helps avoid mix-ups.
3. Stay on Schedule (Even in a New Time Zone)
With all the excitement of being somewhere new, it’s easy to forget to put your aligners back in after a meal. But remember: Invisalign works best when you wear it at least 22 hours per day.
Use your phone to set gentle alerts for putting aligners back in after eating or drinking. If you’re hopping time zones, update your reminders so you don’t fall behind.
Keep your trays in as much as possible. Only remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, or clean them. Even a few extra hours off per day can delay progress.
4. Practice Good Hygiene, Even When You’re Out of Your Routine
On the road, hygiene often takes a back seat. But with Invisalign, it’s more important than ever to stick with your brushing and flossing routine, especially since aligners can trap bacteria against your teeth.
Always brush your teeth and rinse your aligners before putting them back in. If brushing isn’t possible after a meal, at least rinse your mouth and aligners thoroughly with water, then brush as soon as you can.
Avoid sugary snacks and drinks. It’s tempting to grab treats on the go, but sugar + trapped bacteria = decay. Be extra mindful of your food choices and rinse often.
5. Have a Plan for Cleaning Your Aligners
You may not have access to your full cleaning setup, but that doesn’t mean your trays should stay cloudy or smelly. Cleaning them regularly keeps your mouth fresh and your aligners clear.
Invisalign cleaning crystals are perfect for travel. Just dissolve them in a cup of warm water and soak your trays for 15 minutes. If you’re in a pinch, mild, unscented liquid soap and a soft toothbrush can do the job too, just avoid hot water or toothpaste, which can scratch or warp the plastic.
Traveling with Invisalign doesn’t need to be complicated. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your treatment on track and your smile on schedule. If you have a trip coming up and need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help you plan ahead so you can enjoy your getaway without missing a beat.
Call Levenson Smile at 508-422-5044 for an appointment in Worcester, MA. You can also schedule online.