Since it’s late July now, there’s little time left for a true summer vacation. You’ll want to make your trip soon if you haven’t already. With that said, maybe you’re not sure how to travel with your clear aligner trays. Your Plantation dentist is happy to help with that concern, so please don’t fret or worry; in fact, clear aligners can be a very travel-friendly form of orthodontic treatment. To ensure you make the most of this summer, here are four great tips for traveling with clear aligners.
Pack the Essentials
Besides the aligners themselves, you’ll need to pack a few other essentials to keep your trays working. These include the following:
- A Travel Toothbrush (or Two) – Always brush your aligners and teeth before and after wearing them. So, pack multiple toothbrushes in your luggage, such as your suitcase, carry-on, and handbag.
- Dental Floss – Make sure to bring dental floss (or a similar flossing tool) on your trip. That way, you can clean between your teeth and keep debris out of your trays.
- Travel-Size Mouthwash – A toothbrush can’t remove all the debris from your mouth. Given that fact, bring travel-size mouthwash that can clear areas a toothbrush won’t reach.
Remember Your Routines
Even if you take a vacation from work, you can’t do the same with your trays. Maintain your aligner routines just as you would if you were at home.
The aligner treatment process simply doesn’t allow for “breaks.” If you don’t wear (and clean) your trays properly, you’ll increase your risk of oral issues and delay the alignment work. Those effects aren’t worth the short-lived sense of freedom from skipping routines. Given that fact, remember to set teeth cleaning and wear time reminders for yourself; they’ll keep you from falling behind.
Bring Some Spare Trays
Just to be safe, it’s a good idea to bring extra or “spare” aligners on your trip. You’ll then ensure your treatment stays on track.
Don’t forget that clear aligners are small and nearly invisible. Due to such traits, the trays are very easy to misplace over time; such a loss could cause major treatment delays. To prevent this outcome, bring spare aligners from your previous set that you can use if you lose your original ones. They’ll keep your trip from becoming an orthodontic disaster.
Check the Tap Water
Last but not least, please check the local tap water for safety. Its condition affects how you should perform oral care during your trip.
Tap water that isn’t safe to drink isn’t good for brushing and rinsing. Indeed, using it would increase your odds of oral problems and potentially damage your trays. You should instead use bottled water when your tap water is unsafe, as it’ll keep your teeth and trays strong and stable.
For more tips on traveling with clear aligners, consult your dentist. They’ll gladly share relevant details!
About the Practice
Plantation Dental Studio and Implant Center is based in Plantation, FL. Led by the amazing Dr. Alejandro Lamas, our practice takes pride in its exceptional dentistry. We continually offer preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative treatments, always tailoring the results to meet your smile’s needs. You’ll always end each appointment with a healthier and more beautiful grin! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (754)-701-0386.