Having to keep up with your orthodontic treatment while you’re traveling and on vacation can seem like a hassle. However, if you have Invisalign trays, the good news is that it’s much easier than with traditional metal braces. Read below for four helpful tips to help you stay on track with your treatment timeline while you’re getting the most out of your much-needed time off.
Pack an Invisalign Travel Kit
It’s important to be prepared for the regular maintenance of your trays while you’re out and about. The best way to do this is to pack a small hygiene kit with all of the essentials to take care of your teeth and trays in it. Some of these must-haves include:
- Alcohol-free mouthwash
- A soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Invisalign cleaning crystals to soak your trays in
- Plenty of bottled water if you know you’ll be on-the-go
Stick to Your Regular Routine
Vacation is a time for you to sit back and relax, but in order to achieve a straighter smile by the end of your Invisalign treatment, you’ll also need to create a routine to make sure you’re wearing your trays for as long as necessary. Although it may be a little inconvenient, this small sacrifice will be well worthwhile in the end—be sure to take time in your day to brush at least twice a day and floss, and don’t forget to remove your trays before drinking a mojito or snacking on some delicious street food!
It’s also a good idea to bring a bottle of water with you to rinse your aligners before putting them back in your mouth after snacking or drinking anything besides water. This can help you save a little time by keeping you from needing to visit a bathroom or your hotel room regularly throughout the day.
Bring Extra Aligners with You
If you know you’ll be gone for more than a week or two, don’t forget to bring your next series of trays with you on your vacation. This is crucial if you want to continue making progress on your smile’s alignment. The longer you go without wearing your trays, the longer your treatment will take.
In a Pinch, Keep Mouthwash on You
If you don’t have cleaning crystals on you, you can soak your aligners in alcohol-free mouthrinse to clean and refresh them. While rinsing and cleaning them with toothpaste and a toothbrush may do the trick, it’s always good to give them a short cleansing soak as well to make sure that the hard-to-reach crevices also get cleaned.
About the Practice
Our team at Elevate Dental is comprised of two highly experienced and Invisalign-certified dentists, Dr. Kristen and Dr. Michael. They offer a wide range of treatments for patients of all ages, including Invisalign clear aligners. For more information about this modern orthodontic solution or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call 802-658-4873.