Summer is here again, and that means vacations, road trips, and other long-distance excursions for many people. If you’re traveling for business or pleasure, it’s still important to tend to your oral hygiene and stay on top of your orthodontic treatment. Here’s a quick guide to vacationing with your SureSmile clear aligners along with a few tips for complying with your treatment when on the road or traveling by air.
Pack an Oral Hygiene Kit
Having all of your oral hygiene necessities in one container that can be easily carried around can make a massive difference for your orthodontic treatment when you’re not at home. Start with a small bag or case that can be easily cleaned and fill it with supplies such as:
- A toothbrush
- Floss
- Travel-sized mouthwash
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Any new sets of aligners you’ll need to switch to during your trip
- Any appliances you use to remove your aligners
Mind Your Oral Hygiene
While vacation is a time for well-deserved relaxation, you can rest assured that tooth decay, gum disease, and dental shifting will not take any time off. When traveling, it’s still important to brush at least twice and floss at least once a day while using antibacterial mouthwash, but patients wearing SureSmile clear aligners will also need to brush and floss after meals and before putting their aligners back in. Food residue caught between the aligner and the teeth allows harmful oral bacteria to multiply, resulting in infections that may delay your treatment.
Remember to Wear Your Aligners Enough
SureSmile clear aligners must be worn for at least twenty hours every day for the treatment to stay on schedule and achieve the desired results. While it can be easy to fall off wearing your aligners while on vacation, this can lead to significant setbacks that may require costly corrections. While it might be tempting to frequently indulge in tasty treats, your clear aligners are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing.
Since it’s best to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing your teeth to allow your enamel some time to recover, you aren’t left with a lot of time for impulsive snacking. Keeping your twenty-hour wear time in mind can help you stay on top of your treatment while receiving proper nutrition.
SureSmile has allowed many patients to enjoy healthier teeth. By making the effort to comply with your treatment while traveling, you can ensure that it is effective and as brief as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Jordan Hardin earned his dental degree at the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry in Lincoln, NE, and stays on top of the latest developments in his field through continuing education courses. He is proud to be a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners, and his office in Plano, TX, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as SureSmile clear aligners. To learn more about complying with SureSmile while traveling, contact his office online or dial (972) 964-8989.