Need to know how to stick with your Invisalign clear alignersscheduleduring your summer vacation? Dr. Dianaand Dr. Neilare board-certified orthodontists who have all the Invisalign travel tips you need. Clear aligners like Invisalign can go with you anywhere: long weekends, business trips, or family getaways. Just like that hot July sun shines down on you at the beach, Invisalign can keep your smile shining while you’re out and about. At New England Orthodontic Specialists, Dr. Neiland Dr. Dianahelp patients across Beverly,Topsfield, Hamilton, Salem, and Lynnkeep up with their Invisalign schedules, no matter where life takes them. Here are some simple ways to travel smart with your aligners.
Pack Smart: Essentials for Traveling With Invisalign
The easiest way to stay on schedule is to make sure you have everything you need before you leave. Dr. Neiland Dr. Dianarecommend getting these items together early. To best prepare your on-the-road Invisalign schedule, read this list first. If something’s missing, check with our location that’s closest to you: Beverly, Topsfield, Hamilton, Salem, or Lynn.
Here’s what to pack:
- Your current set of Invisalign aligners
- Your next set (if your doctors say it’s okay to switch during the trip)
- A sturdy aligner case
- A travel-sized toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash
- Aligner cleaning crystals or tablets
- A small bottle of water for quick rinses
If you’re flying, keep your aligners and cleaning kit in your carry-on bag. Lost luggage is a headache, but losing your aligners can seriously slow down your treatment. Keep everything within reach. That way, you’re always ready to clean and reinsert your aligners on schedule, even mid-flight.
Stick to the 22-Hour Rule
Wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours a day is your way to keep up a consistent Invisalign schedule. But when you’re in vacation mode or traveling across time zones, it’s easy to forget.
Here are a few ways our New England Orthodontic Specialists team suggests to stay on track:
- Set phone reminders to put your aligners back in after meals
- Avoid snacking for long periods without your trays in
- Use long car rides or flights as aligner-wearing time
- Bring a small mirror so you can put your aligners in quickly, wherever you are
Do your travel dates overlap with getting your next set of aligners? No problem! Keep your Invisalign schedulesteady by talking with Dr. Neilor Dr. Dianabefore your trip. If you’re leaving the North Shore area for vacation, you won’t be near any of our locations in Beverly, Topsfield, Hamilton, Salem, or Lynn. So get with us in advance!
Rinse and Brush On-the-Go
Vacations can mean long days away from your normal routine. That doesn’t mean your Invisalign routineshould take a vacation, too. Clean trays mean less bacteria, less risk of cavities, and a fresher smile while you’re away from home.
Here’s how to keep things fresh:
- Rinse your aligners with water every time you take them out
- Brush them gently with a toothbrush and water once or twice a day
- Use cleaning crystals or tablets for a deeper clean in the evenings
- Always store them in their case, not a napkin, not a cup, and definitely not your pocket
Losing a tray because it got wrapped up with a paper towel during dinner is more common than you’d think. Using the case you get from our New England Orthodontic Specialiststeam every time will save you a lot of stress.
Check In Before You Head Out
Before you travel, give one of our offices in Beverly, Topsfield, Hamilton, Salem, or Lynna quick call or text. Our team may want to adjust your Invisalign scheduleor give you an extra set of trays.
For longer trips, Dr. Neiland Dr. Dianacan help plan around your aligner switches so you don’t miss a beat. They may even recommend sticking with your current set a bit longer or changing to the next one slightly early, depending on your situation.
Patients often say they feel more confident traveling when they’ve touched base with our New England Orthodontic Specialiststeamahead of time. A five-minute call now can save you a lot of confusion later.
In Case of Emergency
It happens. Trays get tossed out, left behind, or dropped in hard-to-reach places. If you lose your current set, the first step is to stay calm and know what to do next.
Here’s what we recommend:
- If you have your previous tray, wear it until you can talk to our team
- If you have your next set, ask if it’s okay to move forward early
- Contact the NEOS office for advice; we’re happy to help, even from miles away
Dr. Neiland Dr. Dianaare board-certified orthodontists who understand how to keep your Invisalign schedulemoving even when things don’t go perfectly. You’re not alone! And with five convenient offices across the North Shore, you’ve got a home base to call on whenever you need help.