Traveling with Trays: 3 Tips for Maintaining Invisalign Abroad

Although traditional braces are the tried-and-true solution for straightening smiles, many patients prefer to avoid the hassle and frustration of having metal brackets and wires attached to their teeth.

Invisalign is considered a more comfortable and discreet alternative because it utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your arches to shift them instead. However, you must care for the aligners carefully to complete your treatment on time, which can be challenging if you’re traveling for the holidays. Continue reading to learn 3 tips that can help preserve your trays while you’re away from home!

Tip #1: Stick to Your Routine

For this treatment to be effective, you must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. This helps shift them to their rightful places while simultaneously preventing them from relapsing to their starting positions, which can potentially add weeks to your total treatment timeline.

You might not have challenges meeting this requirement at home, where you’ve likely established consistent routines, such as removing your aligners at the same time every day for meals and cleanings. But you might struggle to meet the allotted wear time when your routine is interrupted. Setting reminders or alarms on your phone can help you remember when to reinsert your trays after meals or cleanings, helping you avoid treatment interruptions during the holiday season.

Tip  #2: Pack the Essentials

One of the reasons Invisalign continues to gain popularity is that the clear trays allow your natural enamel to shine through, avoiding the self-consciousness that can come with standard braces. But if you don’t keep them clean, they can become cloudy with plaque or stained from consuming overly dark foods or drinks.

You should remove your aligners twice daily to brush and floss your teeth. Then, gently scrub the plastic trays with a soft-bristle brush and non-abrasive toothpaste or dish soap that won’t harm the material. Packing a collapsible or travel-sized toothbrush and other necessary supplies in your carry-on helps you avoid oral issues and discoloration, no matter where you go.

Tip #3: Check the Water Supply

Wearing your trays for most of the day and night gives any germs trapped between them and your teeth ample time to multiply. This increases the risk of developing cavities and gum disease, but can thankfully be prevented by regularly rinsing your aligners after meals or periodically throughout the day.

However, depending on where your itinerary takes you, the public water supply may or may not be safe to ingest, even in small amounts. You may want to pack a few bottles of water in case you end up somewhere without clean, easily accessible drinking water.

Taking a few proactive precautions and packing all the necessary supplies can help you avoid potential issues with your Invisalign during your journey!

About the Practice

At Annigan Dental, you and your loved ones benefit from two dentists committed to helping families in Bothell build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Hsue and Dr. Fredrickson share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to deliver a comprehensive menu of services, including Invisalign, at one convenient location. If you’re traveling for the holidays and want a checkup before you go, you can request an appointment on the website or call (425) 492-6898.