Invisalign® and Summer Travel: Tips to Keep Your Aligner Schedule on Track

Our team of experienced dentists at Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, helps patients in and around Houston, Texas, achieve healthy and attractive smiles using advanced technology. Invisalign®  features among our top treatments because it’s comfortable and often faster than braces.

Many patients have busy summers, with different schedules and more travel than usual — and that can cause carefully developed habits to unravel fast. Planning ahead before you leave can help keep your smile transformation on track while you enjoy your summer travel. Here, we cover some of our top tips.

Ensure easy access to your aligners

Before leaving for your trip, pack everything you need to care for your teeth and Invisalign aligners, ideally in a separate cosmetic or travel bag. This should include:

• Aligner case
• The next set of aligners
• Cleaning crystals or other aligner cleanser
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss or picks

Having everything you need at the ready in one small bag — and always keeping it with you, such as in your carry-on bag if you’re flying — can significantly improve the odds of consistent aligner wear, even when there are lots of fun summertime distractions.

Plan for consistent removal and replacement when eating out

During travel, you're likely to eat out more often, and that can raise the risk of aligner loss. Many people forget to bring their aligner case when they're out and about — and that can lead to parking aligners on a napkin and forgetting all about them.

This is one of the main reasons we recommend having a small travel case with you at all times. That makes it easy to be consistent when you're having a snack on the plane, in the car, or dining out.

Don't forget to rinse your aligners before replacing them in your mouth. This helps avoid bacteria buildup and odor, especially during long and busy travel days.

Maintain your daily wear schedule

One of the biggest challenges during vacation is maintaining your normal Invisalign routine. Invisalign aligners work best when you wear them 20-22 hours daily.

We understand that sightseeing, fun in the sun, and hectic travel may make it tempting to slack off on your schedule, but Invisalign makes this relatively easy to avoid. The general rule of thumb is that you should wear your aligners except when you're eating, drinking, or brushing.

If you start forgetting to replace your aligners after eating or oral hygiene, consider setting a reminder on your phone next time. 

Summer schedules are often less structured, especially when you travel, but that doesn't mean you have to lose your progress toward a straight smile. Call our office at 713-266-4222 to book your consultation and learn more about how to get the most from Invisalign treatment.