Are you undergoing Invisalign treatment? Are you also considering traveling this year? Whether it’s for summer vacation or a special occasion, you can be sure to enjoy your time putting miles on the soul! However, it can also be more challenging for those who are wearing clear aligners. Read on to learn a few important tips for traveling with Invisalign. 

Tip #1: Pack Your Essentials

One of the essential parts of Invisalign is maintaining clean teeth and trays. Even if you aren’t vacationing anywhere, you’ve probably assembled a dental kit for when you’re on the go. These essentials include travel-sized toothpaste, toothbrushes, mini-mouthwashes, and pre-threaded floss. But if you’re traveling for a few weeks, you should also pack extra aligners for when you need to switch to new trays. Be sure they’re kept in a safe place to avoid interruptions in your treatment plan.

Tip #2: Maintain Your Routine

You’ll likely want to enjoy all the tasty foods and drinks during your vacation. Being able to remove your Invisalign trays means you can do just that! However, you should still make sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once daily to keep a healthy smile. You’ll also want to maintain your 20–22-hour wear time with your clear aligners. Try setting a timer when eating or drinking to stay on track with your progress.

Tip #3: Check If the Tap Water Is Safe

You should be careful with using the water supply whenever you’re traveling. Depending on where you go, you may not be able to drink from the tap. If you can’t, then you probably shouldn’t brush or rinse your mouth with it either. Since Invisalign requires you to clean your trays thoroughly, it’s best to use bottled water to avoid getting sick.

Tip #4: Inform Your Dentist Beforehand

Before heading out for a vacation, you may want to schedule a visit to your dentist. They can offer a checkup to ensure your treatment plan is going smoothly and make any adjustments to it if you plan on an extended trip. They’ll also give you advice on the best ways to care for your Invisalign aligners while away from home.

You can still work towards getting a perfectly straight smile during an enjoyable trip! Be sure to practice these few tips throughout your vacation, and you’ll be sure to stay on track with better dental health.

About the Author

Dr. James Olsen is a proud affiliate of numerous organizations such as the American Academy of Clear Aligners, and the American and Michigan Dental Associations. He earned his dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and has been delivering outstanding care for over 30 years. He offers a wide selection of advanced treatments, including Invisalign for straighter teeth. If you’d like to schedule an appointment before traveling, visit his website or call 734-996-0200.