There’s nothing quite like the feeling that comes from heading out of town for the holidays. Between packing, travel, family gatherings, and good food, there’s plenty to get excited about. But all this fun can sometimes come at the cost of little things, like following your Invisalign routine. Falling behind can delay your results, so here’s how to stay on track while celebrating with the people you love.
1. Pack an Aligner Kit
Bring your case, a travel toothbrush, floss, and mild soap for cleaning your trays in a travel bag. If your trip covers a tray switch, pack your next set too!
2. Keep Your Case Close
There are plenty of places your trays can go missing, whether it’s in the floorboard of the car, the airport, or a diner you stopped at along the way. Whenever your aligners are out, make sure you put them in their case. Never wrap them in a napkin, and never leave them on a tray table.
3. Plan Out Your Wear Time
To be effective, your aligners need to be worn for at least 20 hours a day (with closer to 22 being ideal). Every meal and snack will eat into that time, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Set your phone to remind you or have a relative help you remember to pop them back in as soon as you finish eating.
4. Be Smart About Sweets
Cookies, candy, and pie are everywhere this time of year. Too much sugar can lead to tooth decay and treatment delays, so enjoy sweets in moderation. Also, go easy on crunchy treats like hard pretzels and raw almonds, as they can carry a risk of cracks or chips. The last thing you want is an emergency dental appointment in the middle of your vacation.
5. Sip Smart
Take your aligners out for anything besides plain water. That includes hot cocoa, cider, eggnog, coffee, and wine. Hot drinks can warp the plastic, and sugary or dark drinks can stain it. Finally, always brush before putting your trays back in!
The holidays should be for family, fun, and finding some peace—not worrying about your smile. Before you leave on a trip, whether it’s across the road or across the country, remember these tips and you’ll be fine. And if you need help? Your dentist is just a phone call away.
About Dental Support Specialties
Dr. Cornelia Dadaciu is a dedicated dentist with over 20 years of experience. She earned her second dental degree from Nova Southeastern University School of Dentistry after beginning her studies at Ovidius University in Romania, and she is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Today, she’s happy to help patients keep their Invisalign treatment on track, no matter the season. Call (561) 404-4804 to schedule your Invisalign consultation at Delray Beach Smile Design.