If you are like most patients, you chose ClearCorrect aligners because of their convenience and flexibility. You are free to go about your day without much interference from your braces, but what about when you’re traveling? If you have a big trip coming up, keep these 4 tips in mind so that your smile stays on track.
Bring a Travel-Sized Dental Kit
Keeping a travel-sized dental kit with you at all times is highly encouraged. Whether you’re flying, driving, or traveling by boat or train, you can reach for the items you need to keep your smile in check. A few of the things you can include are:
- A small toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Dental wax
- Sugar-free gum
- A protective aligner case
- Your dentist’s phone number
- Mouthwash
Stick to Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Although your daily schedule will look different when traveling, it’s essential that you stick to a normal oral hygiene routine. In the morning and at night, make sure you brush and floss your teeth, and give your aligners the same attention they receive at home.
Regular cleaning and soaking will ensure your trays stay clean and free of any bacteria or food debris that might transfer onto your teeth.
Drink Bottled Water (Depending on Where You’re Traveling To)
If the water is safe where you are traveling to, feel free to drink it and use it to brush your teeth and rinse your aligners. However, if you are unsure, keep a bottle of water with you. This will allow you to give your trays a thorough rinse before reinserting them after a meal. Failing to check the safety of the water can lead to illness, and it’s unlikely that you’ll wear your aligners much if you are experiencing nausea and vomiting.
Bring Extra Aligners
Most ClearCorrect aligners need to be worn for 1-2 weeks; however, it’s always best to bring extras on your trip. Even if you’re not due to swap them out while traveling, having the previous set and the next ones in the series can be helpful if you accidentally lose or break one or both of your trays.
This is also why it’s good to have a small dental kit. You can keep them with all your other items.
When traveling with ClearCorrect, take the steps to keep your teeth on track. By following these tips, you’ll spend each day enjoying your vacation, all while maintaining peace of mind about the trajectory of your smile.
About the Practice
Dr. Arash Vahid leads AV Dental Associates of Jersey City. His expertise in ClearCorrect aligners enables him to deliver beautiful results, all without requiring patients to wear bulky metal braces for years. As a reliable dentist who cares about his patients’ needs and goals, Dr. Vahid is here to make your life easier with ClearCorrect. Visit our website or call (201) 484-7759 to learn how you can navigate your upcoming travels while sticking to your orthodontic plan.