Many people opt for Invisalign over traditional braces because the clear plastic is considered more comfortable and discreet than sharp metal brackets. The smooth material isn’t likely to cut the tender tissues of your mouth, and the transparent trays allow your natural smile to shine through so you look and feel like your best self.
However, traveling with Invisalign poses unique challenges that you might not anticipate. Continue reading to learn 3 tips to staying on track with your treatment timeline wherever life takes you!
Tip #1: Maintain Your Routine
Because Invisalign is removable, you must wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours daily to keep your pearly whites from reverting to their previous places. This gives any bacteria, plaque, or leftover food trapped between your teeth and aligners plenty of time to flourish and contribute to cavities or gum disease.
Removing the trays to rinse them after meals and to gently scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear soap twice daily keeps them clean and fresh. It’s easy to keep up with your oral healthcare routine under normal circumstances, but your travel itinerary might interrupt your regular schedule. Taking the time to clean your mouth as usual can go a long way towards safeguarding your smile while you’re away from home.
Tip #2: Pack The Basics
You already know that it’s best to maintain your usual dental hygiene routine regardless of where you are, but there’s no guarantee the plane, train, or automobile you’re in will have the supplies you need to do so.
Packing travel-sized supplies that fit in with your carry-on luggage and meet TSA standards ensures that you’ll have what you need to preserve your grin when you’re on the go. You should include your Invisalign carrier case, a small toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, and a little container of non-alcoholic mouthwash.
Tip #3: Bring Bottled Water
Depending on your destination, you might also want to carry bottled water with you to avoid potentially unsafe sources of public water. Unfortunately, if water is deemed unsafe to drink from the tap, it’s usually best to avoid scrubbing your mouth with it. Otherwise, you might introduce germs or bacteria that can make you sick and ruin your trip.
Bottled water can be used to cleanse your teeth and gums, rinse off your Invisalign, and hydrate your body to boost your immunity during your voyage.
Taking a few simple precautions and packing all the supplies you need can help you maintain your Invisalign at home and abroad!
About the Practice
At Danville Dental Associates, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to helping you build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet your unique needs. Whether you need basic preventive care or want to straighten your smile with Invisalign, they can help. Their caring approach combines with advanced technology to enhance your comfort while they provide accurate, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call one of their conveniently located offices near you!