Traveling with Invisalign®, Braces, or Retainers: What You Need to Know This Holiday Season
The holiday season is full of travel, festive meals, and cherished family moments. If you're undergoing orthodontic treatment or maintaining your results, staying consistent is essential. Here are some helpful tips for Invisalign®, braces, and retainer patients to keep your smile on track during holiday travel.
Pack Your Orthodontic Essentials:
Preparation is key to ensuring your orthodontic care goes smoothly on the road. If you’re using Invisalign®, pack your aligners and any extra sets you’ll need, along with a case to keep them safe when not in use. Braces patients should bring orthodontic wax to soothe irritation, along with a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste. Retainer users should pack their retainers and carrying case to keep them clean and protected.
Pro Tip: Unexpected issues can arise while traveling, so check out our blog on How to Handle Common Orthodontic Emergencies for more helpful advice.
Stick to Your Treatment Schedule:
Consistency is crucial to achieving the best results. Invisalign® patients should wear aligners for 20-22 hours daily, using phone reminders to stay on track. Braces patients must continue wearing their elastics as instructed to ensure teeth stay on course. Retainer wearers should follow their nighttime schedule to preserve their results. Missing even a few days can delay progress or cause setbacks, so stay diligent!
Be Mindful of Your Diet:
Festive treats can tempt anyone, but braces patients should avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that might damage brackets or wires. Invisalign® patients should remove aligners when eating and clean them before reinserting. Retainer wearers should avoid sticky or sugary snacks that could cause plaque buildup or damage.
Pro Tip: Safe holiday treats include mashed potatoes, turkey (cut into small pieces), cooked vegetables, and soft desserts like brownies or pudding.
Keep Your Braces, Aligners, or Retainers Clean:
Good oral hygiene is even more important when traveling. Invisalign® patients should rinse aligners with lukewarm water and brush them regularly. Braces patients must brush and floss after every meal to remove food particles. Retainers should be cleaned regularly as directed by your orthodontist to keep them fresh and in good condition. Always rinse after removing any appliance to keep your smile healthy.
Travel with Confidence:
Enjoy the holidays without worrying about your orthodontic treatment. Staying consistent with your routine ensures progress and protects your results. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your smile on track.
Traveling during the holidays doesn’t have to interrupt your orthodontic care. Whether you’re wearing Invisalign®, braces, or a retainer, following these tips will help you stay consistent and enjoy the season. With a little planning, you can maintain your progress and keep your smile healthy for the new year.
If any questions arise during your travels, we're just a text or call away! Feel free to contact our office at (804) 419-6788.