Summer is a great time to do some traveling. If you’re taking advantage of the season and have a fun trip planned in the upcoming weeks, congratulations and bon voyage!
And if you’re worried about what you’re going to do about your Invisalign aligners, try not to sweat it. Plenty of people have enjoyed their vacations while straightening out their smiles. A successful Invisalign adventure will take some forethought, so here are some dentist-approved tips that will help keep you on track.
Pack Smarter, Not Harder
You could shove everything you need into one suitcase – or you could strategically place your essentials so they’re well within reach. For example, if you’re flying, be sure to put your toothbrush, floss, and aligner case in a carry-on or personal bag. If you’re traveling by car, you have a little more flexibility with how you arrange your luggage, but in both cases, you might have to remove your Invisalign so you can have a snack or meal. Easy access to your case and cleaning tools will make getting to your destination far less stressful!
Take Extra Aligners, Just in Case
You never know what might happen on a trip. What if you leave your aligners near the hotel sink? Or drop them between the driver’s seat and the center console? Having an extra set of Invisalign on-hand could save your treatment progress in a pinch. Plus, depending on where you are in your treatment, you might have to talk to your dentist about bringing along your next-step trays anyway.
Above All Else, Maintain Your Routine
Even when you’re on vacation, it’s really important to maintain your Invisalign care routine. That includes rinsing your aligners after removing them and before inserting them, cleaning them more thoroughly twice per day, brushing and flossing your teeth, and removing your trays before sampling local dishes. Oh, and of course, wearing your clear aligners for 21 hours every day! If you don’t stick to these habits, you could end up with stained trays or a prolonged treatment time.
Check in With Your Dentist Before You Leave
Finally, consider checking in with your dentist before you set out on your trip. They would be happy to examine your smile in-person, but can also give you more personalized tips over the phone if you’re leaving soon. Keeping them in the loop about your plans will definitely help you make sure you’re well-prepared for a summer vacation with Invisalign!
About the Practice
Dr. Shahrzad Khorashadi is our certified orthodontist here at Dr. George Salem & Associates. Her expertise makes her well-qualified to help you with all your Invisalign needs, and you wouldn’t be the first patient of hers to have to travel with clear aligners! For more tips and tricks that will help you enjoy your vacation, call our office at 781-843-0660.