Invisalign can be a great way to address mild to moderate dental alignment issues, and many patients report that the treatment is much more comfortable and convenient than traditional braces. However, Invisalign requires a significant amount of effort and discipline on the patient’s part, and traveling can make it more difficult to comply with your treatment instructions. Here are a few excellent tips to help you keep your orthodontic process on track while away from home.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses a customized sequence of clear aligners to gradually straighten out teeth with mild to moderate dental misalignments. The patient will have to wear each set of aligners for twenty hours daily for about two weeks until switching to the next pair in their sequence, and each set continues the treatment from where the last left off. The patient will also have to remove their aligners before performing oral hygiene, eating, or drinking anything but water, and they must be placed in a clean protective case when not worn.

How Can Traveling Make Invisalign More Difficult?

It’s always important to pack everything you’ll need before traveling, and, while Invisalign requires fewer supplies than traditional braces, you’ll still have to make sure you’re equipped to keep your teeth and aligners clean and safe. It’s also especially easy for the clear aligners to be thrown away when eating at restaurants since they are hard to see and can be swept up with the trash when the table is cleaned. It’s also possible that an orthodontic emergency might happen, and you may not know where to find care when away from home.

How Can I Be Prepared to Travel with Invisalign?

Luckily, you can keep your Invisalign treatment smooth on the road if you plan ahead. To make sure your realignment stays on track, stick to the following guidelines:

• Assemble an Invisalign travel kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, antibacterial mouthwash (travel sizes are available!), over-the-counter pain medication, and any appliance you use to remove or reinsert your aligners.
• Note how long you expect to be away so you can bring the next sets of aligners in your sequence if necessary.
• Locate an emergency dental provider trained for Invisalign near your destination. Note their address and phone number and call them ahead of time so you can provide them with your normal dentist’s contact information so they can exchange information if needed.
• Make sure water is your primary beverage on your trip. Drinking coffee, cola, tea, and other sugary and colorful beverages can lead to tooth decay and dental stains if the teeth are not brushed and flossed promptly afterward, and it can be difficult and inefficient to stop for oral hygiene sessions when traveling long distances.

 Don’t let your orthodontic process go off course while you are traveling. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to make sure your Invisalign process proceeds as intended while on the road.

About the Author

Dr. Joshua A. Holcomb earned his dental degree at the College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and consistently completes more than one hundred continuing education hours every year. He is a faculty club member under the Spear Study Club’s Master Curriculum. His office in Collierville offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign. To learn more about complying with your Invisalign treatment, contact his office online or dial (901) 850-0300.