Vacations, road trips, and family getaways shouldn’t slow down your smile’s progress. If you wear Invisalign or Spark clear aligners, knowing how to maintain your clear aligners while traveling can help you stay on track while enjoying your time away. Whether you’re jetting out from Hillsborough or Burlington, Mack Orthodontics has a few tips to keep your clear aligner treatment running smoothly on the road.
1. Plan Ahead for Your Aligner Schedule
Being organized is your best defense against setbacks! Before you leave town, make sure you’re prepared for the full duration of your trip:
- Pack extra aligners: If you’re close to switching trays, bring your next set—and maybe even the one after that.
- Bring your previous aligners: Just in case your current set gets lost or damaged, having the last one gives you a backup.
- Add on aligner cases: Bring at least two sturdy, ventilated cases for safe storage so you never have to set your aligners down without protection.
- Know your schedule: Set calendar alerts on your phone for tray changes.
2. Pack a Portable Invisalign Travel Kit
Preparation is crucial for maintaining clear aligner wear while traveling. Dr. Mack says it’s always a great idea to put together a compact travel kit that includes:
- Travel-size interdental toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dental floss or floss picks
- Aligner cleaning crystals or retainer wipes
- Small mirror
- Hand sanitizer
- Over-the-counter pain reliever (in case of soreness)
With these items, you’ll be ready to keep your aligners clean and in good shape, no matter where your trip takes you or what kind of exciting new meals you try.
3. Practice Good Hygiene on the Go
To keep your clear aligners working well, you’ll need to keep both your teeth and trays clean. Remember:
- Always brush and floss before putting your aligners back in.
- Use your travel toothbrushes and mini toothpaste tubes as needed.
- Carry a small bottle of clear, unscented mouthwash for quick rinses.
- Soak aligners nightly with travel-friendly cleaning tablets.
Whether you’re flying out of Raleigh-Durham or road-tripping through North Carolina, good hygiene keeps your aligners crystal clear and odor-free.
4. Stick to the 22-Hour Rule
To keep up with clear aligners while traveling, one of the most important rules is to wear them for 22 hours each day. We know this might become harder to keep up with amidst the hustle of travel, but it’s necessary for your orthodontic treatment to work, regardless of where you are.
- Be mindful of how long meals take.
- Beware of taking them out for too many photo-ops
- Pop them back in as soon as you’re done eating or drinking.
- Avoid “vacation exceptions.”
Yes, it’s tempting to skip here and there, but the more consistent you are, the sooner your orthodontic treatment will be completed.
5. Don’t Let Travel Interrupt Progress
Many patients traveling from Burlington or Hillsborough ask Dr. Mack, “What happens if I lose a tray?” This is definitely a valid concern to have, and it’s important not to delay in contacting us when it happens.
- Call Mack Orthodontics right away. We can advise you on the next steps wherever you are.
- If you’re in between sets, go back to your last tray.
- Never skip ahead without our approval.
The good news? With Invisalign and Spark, you’ll have the flexibility to stay on track even when life gets unpredictable.
Why Mack Orthodontics Is Your Travel-Smart Partner
Mack Orthodontics understands that life doesn’t stop when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. That’s why Dr. Mack offers flexible scheduling, remote check-ins when needed, and expert guidance for his traveling patients.
With clear aligners from Invisalign or Spark, you can:
- Enjoy virtually invisible treatment
- Skip dietary restrictions
- Travel without broken brackets or emergency visits
We can partner with you ahead of your travels to help make sure you’re adequately prepared, especially if the patient in your family is a teenager! Let us know some of the details of your time away, especially if it’s going to be a longer vacation, so we can provide you with all the aligners you need.
Ready to Travel with Confidence?
Sticking to your Invisalign plan doesn’t have to be stressful! With the right tips and a little extra help from your Mack Orthodontics team, you’ll keep up with clear aligners while traveling and return home right on track.
A little preparation makes a big difference. We’re always here to guide you when questions and unexpected obstacles arise.
Mack Orthodontics is proud to offer all of our new patients a free consultation to get started. We would love to hear from you soon!