Invisalign Before Your Summer Holiday: What You Need to Know

Summer is for holidays, fun, and sunshine. What you don’t want to be worrying about is your teeth! With millions of people preparing for their summer getaways, many Invisalign wearers find themselves wondering how to manage their clear aligner treatment while enjoying their well-deserved holiday.
The good news is that Invisalign’s removable design makes it one of the most travel-friendly orthodontic treatments available.
However, maintaining your treatment schedule and keeping your aligners safe while exploring new destinations requires some thoughtful preparation. Planning ahead can make the difference between returning home with a confident smile and facing treatment delays that could extend your journey to straighter teeth.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule a pre-holiday consultation with your provider to collect extra aligners and address any concerns before travelling.
- Pack essential items, including protective cases, cleaning supplies, and backup aligners, to maintain your treatment routine.
- Maintain the 22-hour daily wear schedule even during holiday activities by planning meals and social events around your aligner routine.
Understanding Invisalign Travel Basics
Invisalign clear aligners offer distinct advantages for travellers compared to traditional metal braces. These custom-made, removable aligners allow you to eat freely and maintain better oral hygiene during your trip. However, the key to successful treatment lies in consistent wear – maintaining that important 22-hour daily schedule, even when your normal routine is disrupted by travel, excitement, and new experiences.
People who choose clear aligners love the fact that they can remove them for meals, photos, and special occasions without compromising their treatment progress. This adaptability makes Invisalign particularly suitable for holiday travel, where dining experiences and social activities often play a central role in the adventure.
Pre-Holiday Preparation Tips
Be sure to include some extra prep time when planning your holiday.
It’s a good idea to contact your orthodontist at least two weeks before departure to schedule a pre-travel checkup. This appointment allows your provider to assess your current progress and provide you with additional aligners for the duration of your trip. Having extra sets on hand provides peace of mind and prevents treatment interruptions if aligners are lost or damaged during travel.
Your dental professional can also adjust your tray change schedule if needed, particularly for longer trips. Some patients benefit from switching to new aligners a few days before travel to avoid mid-trip changes during busy sightseeing days.
Smart Packing Strategies
Creating a comprehensive travel kit helps keep your Invisalign treatment on track during your holiday. Here’s your checklist:
- Your current aligners plus the next set in sequence,
- A sturdy protective case to prevent loss or damage during transport
- Travel-sized oral hygiene essentials
- A compact toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Invisalign cleaning crystals or tablets
- A small bottle of drinking water (Specifically for aligner cleaning when access to clean water might be limited)
- Optional comfort items like orthodontic wax and a removal tool
Managing Wear During Travel
How Do You Handle Flight Travel?
Air travel presents unique challenges for Invisalign wearers, particularly during long-haul flights. Keep your aligners in throughout the flight, removing them only for meals and drinks, except for water. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which also helps keep your aligners clean and your mouth comfortable during the journey.
What About Time Zone Changes?
Crossing multiple time zones can disrupt your regular aligner change schedule. Adjust gradually by shifting your routine in small increments rather than making dramatic changes all at once. If you typically change aligners in the evening, maintain this habit in your new time zone to preserve consistency.
Eating and Social Events
Remove aligners before every meal and snack, storing them safely in your protective case rather than wrapping them in napkins or tissues. Clean your teeth thoroughly before reinserting aligners, using portable options like floss picks or water rinsing when full brushing isn’t possible. During special dining experiences or extended social events, plan strategic removal times while staying mindful of your daily wear requirements.
Holiday celebrations often involve longer meals and more frequent snacking. Account for these extended eating periods by being extra diligent about aligner wear during other parts of your day.
Staying Consistent With Treatment
Can You Pause Invisalign Treatment?
Consistency remains the foundation of successful Invisalign treatment, even during holidays. Inconsistent wear can lead to treatment delays, increased discomfort, and the need for additional aligners upon your return. If you find it challenging to meet the 22-hour wear requirement on certain days, you can compensate by wearing your current aligner tray for a few extra days before moving on to the next set.
Document any significant deviations from your schedule and discuss them with your dentist as soon as possible upon return. They can assess whether any adjustments are needed to get your treatment back on track.
Emergency Situations
Keep your Invisalign specialist’s contact information easily accessible throughout your trip. If you lose or damage an aligner, revert to your previous tray or advance to the next one, depending on how long you’ve been wearing the current set. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to discuss the best course of action for your specific situation.
Many providers can ship replacement aligners to your destination if you’re travelling for extended periods, though this requires advance planning and coordination.
Hygiene On The Go
Maintaining proper aligner hygiene while travelling requires creativity and preparation. When bathroom access is limited, rinse aligners with bottled water and use cleaning tablets designed for clear aligners. Carry sugar-free gum or mints to freshen your breath when immediate teeth cleaning isn’t possible. However, remember to remove your aligners before using these products.
Store aligners in their protective case whenever they’re not in your mouth, avoiding the temptation to wrap them in napkins or place them on restaurant tables where they might be accidentally discarded.
Your Holiday Smile Success
Summer holidays should be times of joy, relaxation, and creating lasting memories, not worrying about your teeth!
With proper preparation and the right mindset, your Invisalign treatment can travel with you without disrupting your holiday plans. The removable nature of clear aligners provides the flexibility to enjoy new cuisines, capture perfect photos, and participate fully in your chosen activities while maintaining progress toward your ideal smile.Clear Braces Direct understands the unique challenges that travel presents for orthodontic patients. Our comprehensive support system and flexible treatment options are designed to fit your lifestyle, including those important holiday adventures. By following these practical strategies and maintaining open communication with your orthodontist, you can return home with both wonderful memories and continued progress toward the confident smile you’ve been working to achieve.