If you wear Invisalign, you have a little more to consider than usual when packing for summertime travel. The great part is that Invisalign treatment only lasts about a year, which means you may have a straight smile at this time next year and no more aligners. In the meantime, here’s how to prep for whatever lies ahead in the summer months.
1. Honor the Rules of Invisalign
All kinds of rules get broken during vacation, but there is no slacking on the rules of Invisalign no matter what time of year it is.
- Remove your trays for every meal or snack
- Only drink water with the aligners in your mouth
- Wear trays 20 to 22 hours a day
- Clean your trays and teeth before they are snapped back together
- Brush and floss morning and night and after each meal
2. Carry an Invisalign Emergency Kit
Invisalign wearers don’t need quite as much in their dental travel kit as the wearer of conventional braces, but keep your tools at the ready. When you’re traveling, you’ll probably be eating many meals out, so keep that oral hygiene kit stocked with a travel toothbrush and toothpaste and dental floss. You’ll be ready to clean your teeth at a moment’s notice.
3. Take Your Case Everywhere
You will be tempted by friends and traveling companions and you absolutely should soak up every minute of every experience. If you have your Invisalign case with you, you’ll be good to go. If you run into an enticing food vendor on the street or stop for ice cream or need some other sustenance, having your case in your pocket or bag will mean you can indulge without having to worry about losing or accidentally throwing away your trays.
4. Pack Extra Trays
The thought of being responsible for the Invisalign aligners in your mouth let alone extra aligners while traveling may be daunting but trust yourself. It’s better to have extra trays on hand should you lose or damage the trays you’re wearing. The worst possible thing that could happen on your vacation regarding Invisalign is to not wear the aligners at all and derail the progress of your treatment. Pack all your Invisalign-related items in your carry-on bag, especially if you’re traveling by plane.
5. Visit Your Orthodontist Before You Leave
Summer travel can last for a long weekend, a week, or a summer abroad. If you’ll be away from your home base for more than a few weeks, schedule an appointment with your Woodinville orthodontist so you can get a checkup, collect as many trays as you need, and make a game plan about how best to manage treatment should you lose a tray, break a tray, or encounter other problems.
6. Just Wear Your Trays
If you keep up your typical oral hygiene routine and behaviors – well-established by now for Invisalign veterans – then summertime travel should be easy for you to manage. Just wear your trays, brush your teeth, and make smart decisions. You’ll have a great smile in all those selfies for excellent memories and you won’t need any emergency visits with your orthodontist when you return home.
Wondering if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign? Schedule a consultation with orthodontist Dr. Soleil and her team at Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville, WA.