If you’re one of the many people who are currently undergoing Invisalign treatment, you may be wondering how to make travel a part of your life during this process. Don’t worry – with a little bit of preparation and forethought, traveling while wearing Invisalign can be easy and definitely stress-free! Here are tips for making travel work while you’re on your Invisalign journey:
Double-Check That You’ve Packed the Essentials
Be sure to pack your aligners case! This will help to keep your aligners clean and free of debris. It is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing Invisalign, so you’ll also want to have your toothbrush and toothpaste with you as well. Floss and mouthwash are also essential items as they will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy while you’re away from home. For example, mouthwash can be used to rinse your aligners if you don’t have access to running water and toothpaste can be used to clean your aligners if they become dirty.
Plan Your Meals in Advance
Just because you’re on the go doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice healthy eating. If you plan your meals in advance, you’ll be less likely to make unhealthy choices when hunger strikes. Such as, if you’re going to be traveling by car, pack a cooler with healthy snacks and drinks so you can avoid stopping at fast food restaurants. If you’re flying, take advantage of in-flight meal services or bring your own food from home.
It’s also important to make sure that you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals while you’re wearing aligners. Since they cover your teeth, it can be difficult to brush after every meal. As a result, food particles and bacteria can build up on your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral health problems. To avoid this, be sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. You should also try to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Stay Hydrated
It’s important to stay hydrated while wearing Invisalign aligners because they can cause your mouth to feel dry. Drinking plenty of water will help to keep your mouth moist and will also help to flush out food particles and bacteria that can build up on your teeth. Make sure to pack a water bottle in your carry-on luggage. Drinking plenty of water before you board your flight will help to prevent dehydration during the flight.
If you’re going to be spending time in the sun, make sure to stay in the shade as much as possible. This will help to prevent dehydration. For example, if you’re going to be at the beach, make sure to bring an umbrella or a sun hat.
Wear Your Retainers
If you have Invisalign retainers, be sure to wear them as directed by your orthodontist. Retainers are typically worn for a few hours each day, so you’ll need to plan your travel schedule around your retainer wear time. It’s also important to clean your retainers regularly, especially if you’re going to be wearing them for an extended period of time. For example, if you’re going to be flying, make sure to pack a small toothbrush and toothpaste so you can brush your retainers after each use. Retainers can also be cleaned with denture cleaner or soaking them in a cup of distilled water.
However, always remove your trays before eating. It’s tempting to just pop them out for a quick bite, but food particles can easily become trapped in the aligners. Not only is this gross, but it can also lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay is the leading cause of Invisalign failure, so it’s important to avoid it at all costs.
This is why it’s important to have a backup set of aligners if you’re going to be traveling for an extended period of time. That way, you can wear one set while the other set is being cleaned. Some Invisalign offers a “travel case” which is perfect for storing your aligners while you’re on the go. It is small, lightweight, and comes with a built-in toothbrush and mirror.
Conclusion
So there you have it, four tips for traveling with Invisalign aligners. With a little planning, you can enjoy your vacation without having to worry about your treatment. And, most importantly, don’t forget to brush and floss! Traveling while ongoing Invisalign treatment does not have to be a hassle. Just make sure to plan ahead and pack everything you need to keep your smile looking great. You can have a good time while still getting the straighter teeth you’ve always wanted. Always consult with your orthodontist if you have any questions or concerns about traveling with Invisalign. They will be able to give you specific instructions for your individual treatment.