Using Invisalign while traveling doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re jetting off from Cincinnati or taking a road trip out of Hillsboro, your smile progress doesn’t have to pause while you’re away. Thacker Orthodontics understands that occasional or frequent travel is a part of life for many patients. That’s why we offer Invisalign treatment designed to fit into your lifestyle, whenever and wherever it is.
Consistency Matters With Invisalign
To get the best possible results, you need to wear your clear aligners for at least 20-22 hours per day. Skipping time, losing a tray, or forgetting to bring your next set can delay your progress. Using Invisalign clear aligners while traveling requires just a little planning and prep to stay on track. The answer is to make Invisalign a seamless part of your daily travel routine!
Pre-Travel Checklist for Invisalign Patients
Before you pack your bags, make sure you have everything you need to continue your Invisalign journey while away from home:
- Pack your current aligners and your next set: Always bring an extra set of Invisalign in case you switch trays while away.
- Carry your aligners in your personal bag: Don’t risk them getting lost with checked luggage. It might be helpful to keep them with any medications you have, so you keep up with them.
- Bring your case everywhere: You’ll need a safe, clean place to store your aligners when eating on the go.
- Include cleaning tools: Travel-sized toothbrush, floss, and Invisalign cleaning crystals or tablets.
- Set a reminder: Use your phone to alert you when it’s time to put your aligners back in after meals.
- Talk to your Thacker Orthodontics team: We may be able to send extra aligners or give custom guidance if you let us know when you’re travelling!
Tips for Using Invisalign While Traveling
Here are some real-world strategies to help keep your Invisalign plan on track:
- Stick to your routine: Wake up, brush, clean your trays, and pop them in—just like at home.
- Watch what you eat and drink: Remember only to drink water with your aligners in. Anything else should wait until you remove them. This rule sadly doesn’t change on vacation!
- Don’t leave them out too long: After meals, brush your teeth and reinsert them quickly to maintain your wear time.
- Be discreet but consistent: Whether at a dinner party or an airport lounge, don’t be shy about taking them out when needed—but remember to put them back in promptly.
- Hydrate: Traveling can dry out your mouth. Drink plenty of water to stay comfortable and keep your aligners fresh.
Invisalign for Teens: Staying on Track While Traveling
Using Invisalign for Teens while traveling can be a breeze with the right mindset. Our teenage patients in Cincinnati and Hillsboro love Invisalign for its comfort and freedom, but being on vacation can introduce some new challenges.
Here’s how to help your teen stay committed:
- Create a travel-friendly Invisalign kit with their case, toothbrush, and extra aligners.
- Let them own it: Teens do best when they feel in control. Empower them to take charge of their treatment.
- Check in: A quick daily text from parents asking, “Are your aligners in?” can go a long way for teens travelling away from family.
- Reinforce the “why”: Remind them how great their smile will look when all is said and done at school dances, photo-ops with friends, and family events.
Care That Travels With You
Dr. Jim and Dr. MaryEvan have helped countless patients straighten their smiles with Invisalign. Because Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and removable, they make traveling simpler than ever. No need for emergency appointments, no broken brackets, and no food restrictions.
You also have the option of choosing Thacker Orthodontics’ in-house clear aligners, which provide a faster and more affordable option for minor adjustments, often in just 1-3 trays. That means fewer appointments and more flexibility.
Wherever your travels take you, we’re here to support your journey. So again, if you know a trip is coming up, contact us in advance! We’ll make sure you have the supplies and guidance needed to keep your treatment on schedule.
A Clearer Way to Travel
At Thacker Orthodontics, we never want our patients to feel like they aren’t able to travel comfortably with any manner of orthodontic treatment. Invisalign truly stands out for its removability and comfort, so try not to worry!
If you’ve been considering Invisalign or another treatment for aligning your smile, you can contact us and schedule a free consultation in Cincinnati or Hillsboro to get the process started.