Whether you’re jet-setting to a faraway destination, heading out on a road trip, or going camping with your fellow Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts troop, it’s important that you know how to take care of your Invisalign® clear aligners or Vivera™ retainers while you’re away!
Your team at Rogers & Andrews Orthodontics is here to give you the scoop on top tips for traveling with Invisalign or retainers to ensure that your treatment stays on the right track.
1. Always use your retainer travel case or Invisalign carrying case for storage
You’ll receive carrying cases when you receive your Invisalign trays, and then your custom Vivera retainers. Don’t let these cases collect dust on your nightstand, especially when traveling!
If you have your clear aligners or retainers with you, you should have your carrying case too. Any time you take your retainers or trays out, store them right in their designated carrying case until you take them back out again.
You can get additional carrying cases on Amazon or at Walmart if it would help to have multiple options – one in your bag and one in your tent or at the hotel!
2. Never place trays or retainers in a napkin or on your lunch plate!
This tip falls in line with properly storing your Invisalign or retainers, but it happens so frequently that it deserves its own special tip!
Many Invisalign trays and retainers have been wrapped in a napkin after a meal or placed on a plate, and subsequently, ended up in the trash or restaurant dumpster. We want to avoid this at all costs!
Transparent appliances are easily forgotten when they blend in with a napkin or surrounding food. Make a mental note to never place them in a napkin and always bring your carrying case along for the ride.
3. Keep them clean, of course!
Just like your teeth, your retainers and Invisalign aligners need to maintain proper hygiene too! When you’re traveling, enjoying the scenery, boarding planes or roasting s’mores around the fire, it’s easy to put your appliances’ needs on the backburner.
However, it doesn’t take much to keep your treatments clean, clear and bacteria-free. (You want your aligners and retainers to remain virtually-invisible when you wear them, don’t you?)
Pack a small travel toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to use on your trays or retainers before you place them back in your mouth. Be sure to clean your carrying cases with soap too! You don’t want to put clean appliances back in a dirty carrying case.
If you’re camping with Invisalign, remember to still brush your aligners twice a day (and ideally after each meal), just as you would at home. Access to clean water might be limited, so prepare ahead of time by packing a water bottle dedicated to cleaning your appliances.
4. Avoid exposing your trays to high temperatures.
Invisalign aligners and retainers are made of a high-quality plastic that can warp or melt if exposed to high temperatures. Avoid leaving them in hot cars, direct sunlight, or near campfires while camping.
Aligners and retainers are strong and durable, but they’re not made to endure extreme temperatures. Always store them in your travel case!
5. Stay on schedule.
There’s no doubt that traveling disrupts your daily routines, but it’s important to stay conscious of your retainer or Invisalign wear, and stick to your treatment schedule as closely as possible.
Wear your aligners for the advised 20-22 hours a day, only removing them to eat, drink (anything other than water), and clean your aligners or teeth. Set reminders on your phone, and log your time in the MyInvisalign app to make it even easier to stay on track.
6. Pack some backup supplies.
Pack extra teeth cleaning supplies, a backup travel retainer case, and a small mirror to help you with inserting and removing your aligners on the go or inspecting for leftover food in your teeth.
Having these items readily available can make managing your orthodontic care much easier and prevent you from being in an “oh, no!” situation, whether you’re exploring a new city or enjoying the great outdoors with your scout troop.
7. Mind your meals.
One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign – all of your favorite foods are still on the table! Vacations are for indulging – indulge in the scenery, indulge in the freedom, and indulge in sweet treats.
Just remember to remove your aligners and store them in their carrying case before eating or drinking anything besides water. After meals, brush your teeth and clean your aligners before putting them back in. This is the easiest way to keep your teeth and aligners clean, with minimal effort! Consistency is key.
Enjoy your trip!
Traveling with Invisalign or retainers doesn’t have to be a hassle. By following these simple tips and staying consistent, you can enjoy your adventures while still staying on the fastest track to your perfect smile.
Safe travels! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions before, during or after your travels. We’re here for you.
Haven’t begun your smile transformation yet? Get started by requesting a complimentary consultation at our orthodontist office in Grovetown or Augusta!