So, your bags are packed, tickets are booked, playlists are ready—and your aligners? Still in your mouth (hopefully). Traveling while wearing Invisalign can feel a little intimidating at first, especially if it’s your first trip after starting the treatment. But trust us—once you know the basics, it’s actually super manageable. We’ve seen plenty of our patients head off on vacations, work trips, even treks—and come back with their treatment right on track.
Here’s a real-world guide to making sure your Invisalign journey doesn’t take a detour while you’re off exploring the world.
1. Make a Quick Invisalign Kit
Before you start your trip, throw together a little pouch with all your Invisalign essentials. Think of it as your dental travel buddy. Here’s what most of our OHM Dental patients include:
- Your aligner case (seriously, never leave without it)
- Travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss or floss picks (because food will get stuck)
- A small bottle of mouthwash
- Some aligner cleaning tablets or crystals
- Maybe a backup set of aligners if you’re switching soon
This kit is a lifesaver when you’re on a flight, at a restaurant, or even hiking a trail.
2. Try Not to Cheat the 22-Hour Rule
Let’s be honest—on vacation, it’s tempting to leave your aligners out for long meals, beach drinks, or random snacking. But if you want to stay on schedule (and avoid wearing your trays for extra weeks), aim for that 22-hour wear time every day.
Set reminders if needed and thank us for this tip later when their aligners still fit like a glove after a week-long food tour in Goa.
3. Drink Water (And Only Water) With Aligners In
This one’s important. You can sip water with your aligners in—but everything else (tea, soda, juices, cocktails) is a no-no unless you remove them. Drinks can stain or damage the trays and even increase the risk of cavities. Plus, who wants yellow aligners in travel selfies?
Carrying a water bottle is an easy fix—and a healthy habit anyway.
4. Brush or Rinse After Every Meal
Okay, brushing after every meal sounds excessive—but with Invisalign, it really helps. If brushing isn’t possible, at least rinse your mouth and your aligners before putting them back in. Trapped food + aligners = bad breath and bacteria. Not a good travel companion.
We always remind our patients that your aligners fit best when your teeth and trays are both clean.
5. Carry a Backup Tray (Just in Case)
Lost aligners happen. Spilled drinks, curious toddlers, airplane seat pockets—you’d be surprised how creative aligner accidents can be. That’s why we suggest bringing either your previous set or your next one when you travel. If something happens, you won’t be left without any trays at all.
Some patients even store a digital photo of their treatment plan or aligner schedule on their phone, just in case they need to check in with us remotely.
6. Let Us Know You’re Traveling
Before your trip, drop a quick message to your orthodontist . Sometimes we can adjust your tray schedule or give you personalized advice depending on where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign should never stop you from enjoying life—or a good trip. With just a little prep and awareness, you can travel absolutely anywhere while staying true to your treatment. At OHM Dental, we’re always here to support you on your smile journey—even if you’re 10,000 feet above ground or chilling by the beach.
Bon voyage—and don’t forget your aligner case!
