Traveling With Clear Aligners: How to Keep Your Trip From Slowing Down Your Progress

Summer means vacations, road trips, weekends at the lake, and spending time with family and friends. If you’re in the middle of clear aligner treatment, you don’t have to put your smile on hold.

One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is the flexibility they offer. There are no brackets to break or wires to irritate your mouth while you’re away. As long as you stick to a few simple habits, you can enjoy your trip while keeping your treatment moving forward.

Pack More Aligners Than You Think You’ll Need

Before you leave, pack your current set of aligners and your next set if you’ll be switching while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to bring your previous set as a backup.

If your current aligners are lost or damaged, your previous trays can help keep your teeth from shifting until you’re able to contact our office.

Keep your aligners in their protective case and carry them with you instead of packing them in checked luggage. If your suitcase doesn’t arrive when you do, your aligners shouldn’t be in it.

Always Use Your Case

One of the most common ways people lose their aligners is by wrapping them in a napkin during a meal. Unfortunately, those napkins often end up in the trash before anyone realizes it.

Make it a habit to put your aligners back in their case every time you take them out. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down for dinner, keeping your case with you can save you the hassle and expense of replacing lost aligners.

Keep Aligners Away From Heat

Clear aligners are made from a durable plastic, but excessive heat may cause them to warp.

Avoid leaving them in a hot car, on a dashboard, by a sunny window, or anywhere they’ll be exposed to high temperatures. A warped aligner may no longer fit properly, which can affect how your teeth move throughout treatment.

When cleaning your aligners, rinse them with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can also change their shape.

Stay on Schedule

For your treatment to stay on track, clear aligners should be worn for about 20 to 22 hours each day.

Vacations often mean longer meals, sightseeing, and busy schedules, making it easy to forget to put your aligners back in. Setting a reminder on your phone after meals can help you stay consistent. If you’re traveling across time zones, reminders can be especially helpful.

Watch the Vacation Snacking

Vacations usually come with extra snacks, treats, and drinks throughout the day. Just remember that aligners should be removed anytime you eat or drink anything besides water.

The more often your aligners are out, the harder it can be to reach your daily wear time. Try to enjoy your meals, brush your teeth if possible, and put your aligners back in as soon as you’re finished.

Pack a Small Oral Care Kit

A simple travel kit can make it much easier to keep your aligners clean while you’re away.

Consider packing:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Travel-size mouthwash
• Aligner cleaning crystals or tablets if you use them

Brushing before putting your aligners back in helps prevent plaque buildup, staining, and trapped food particles.

Flying? Keep Your Aligners in Your Carry-On

If you’re flying, always keep your aligners in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage.

Even if your luggage is delayed or lost, you’ll still have everything you need to continue your treatment without interruption.

Traveling Internationally?

If you’re traveling somewhere that doesn’t have safe tap water, use bottled or filtered water to rinse your aligners and toothbrush. Avoid using toothpaste as it is abrasive and can damage your aligners.

It’s a small step that can help you avoid unnecessary health issues while you’re away.

Know What to Do If Something Happens

Even with the best planning, accidents happen.

Before your trip, save our office phone number in your contacts. If your aligners become lost, cracked, or damaged while you’re away, contact us before switching to your next set. If you packed your previous aligners, wear those until we can advise you on the next step.

If you have a trip coming up and you’re close to switching aligners or due for a check-up, scheduling an appointment before you leave is always a good idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch to my next set of aligners while I’m on vacation?

If your treatment plan already calls for switching while you’re away, yes. If your current aligners become lost or damaged unexpectedly, give our office a call before moving to the next set.

Can I drink coffee while wearing my aligners?

Water is the only drink you should have while wearing your aligners. Coffee, tea, soda, juice, sports drinks, and alcohol should be enjoyed after removing your aligners to help prevent staining and reduce the risk of cavities.

What happens if I forget to wear my aligners for a few hours?

Missing a few hours once isn’t usually a major issue, but wearing your aligners less than the recommended 20 to 22 hours each day on a regular basis can slow your progress and may delay your treatment.

Enjoy Your Vacation Without Pressing Pause on Your Smile

Traveling doesn’t have to interrupt your clear aligner treatment. By packing a few essentials, protecting your aligners, and sticking to your wear schedule, you can enjoy your vacation while keeping your smile moving in the right direction.

If you’re interested in learning more about the clear aligners Progressive Dental provides or have questions about traveling during treatment, our team is always happy to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, and we’ll help you build a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re at home or on the go.