Dental misalignments can lead to a host of issues like difficulty chewing, problems with speaking clearly, and being shy about showing your smile. Thankfully, Invisalign can be an excellent way to straighten out mild to moderate misalignments without the irremovable metal parts and frustrating dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. Here’s a quick guide to how you can make sure your Invisalign treatment stays on track while traveling for business or pleasure.
Pack a Dental Hygiene Kit
The harmful germs that cause tooth decay and dental stains don’t take vacations, so it’s important to make sure you continue practicing excellent oral hygiene while you’re on the road. Start with a durable case that can be easily cleaned and fill it with dental care essentials like:
- A toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Travel-sized mouthwash
- Any new aligners you will need to switch to during your trip
- Any utensils you use to remove or insert your aligners
- Over-the-counter pain medication in case you experience discomfort
During Invisalign treatment, it’s crucial to thoroughly brush and floss after eating or drinking anything but water to prevent accumulations of sugary residues that can breed harmful oral bacteria.
Bring a Protective Case
It is essential to remove your Invisalign clear aligners before eating or drinking anything but water. People tend to eat at restaurants a lot when traveling, and it is terribly easy for Invisalign aligners to be swept up and thrown away with the scraps if they are left in the open such as on a napkin next to one’s eating space. To prevent this, be sure to store your appliances in a clean, rigid case that can be easily stored in your pocket when you are not wearing them.
Make Sure You Wear Your Aligners Sufficiently Each Day
Invisalign clear aligners must be worn for at least twenty hours daily for the treatment to work. Since the aligners must be removed when eating or drinking anything but water, frequently snacking while traveling can make it difficult to meet this minimum wear time. You’ll also need to thoroughly brush and floss before inserting your aligners again, and it’s ideal to wait at least thirty minutes after a snack, meal, or beverage before cleaning your teeth. Taking care to time your meals so you can clean your teeth afterward and continue wearing your aligners as scheduled will help your treatment progress as planned.
Don’t let your vacation or business trip lead to frustrating treatment delays or painful oral infections. Taking care to comply with your Invisalign instructions will allow you to keep your realignment process on track and as comfortable as possible.
About the Practice
Dr. Sean Brown is a friendly and knowledgeable dentist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Buffalo. He enjoys helping patients protect their oral health and feel confident in their smiles through advanced treatments like Invisalign. If you’re ready to improve your quality of life, you’re in good hands. Call (215) 348-2224 to schedule an Invisalign consultation at Sean Brown DDS or visit our website to request an appointment online.