Your Invisalign and 3M Clarity aligner trays don’t take vacations, but that doesn’t mean you can’t! Between packed bags, snack stops, and spur-of-the-moment detours, it’s easy for routines to take a back seat. That’s where Dr. Moffett, Dr. Garvey, and the Moffett & Walley Orthodontics team step in, helping patients across Clinton and Madison stick with their treatment while still making the most of every getaway. Let’s kick things off with how to keep your trays from vanishing somewhere between the sunscreen and souvenirs.
Pack Like a Pro
When you’re living out of a suitcase, every inch counts. But skipping your clear aligners care isn’t worth the tradeoff! A little planning goes a long way in keeping your treatment on track while you’re away.
Here’s what to stash in your travel kit:
- Your current trays (plus the next set, just in case)
- Aligner case to keep them safe during meals
- Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste for quick cleanups
- Floss picks or threaders to stay on top of oral hygiene
- A small bottle of mouthwash for an easy refresh
- A labeled zip pouch to keep it all organized
It’s the kind of simple prep that saves you from digging through luggage at a rest stop, or worse, realizing your trays didn’t make it out of the hotel room.
Up next, let’s look at what to do when that travel schedule starts to throw off your usual tray switch days.
Timing Is Everything (Even on the Road)
Vacation days don’t always line up with tray change days, but that doesn’t mean your treatment has to fall behind. A quick check-in with Dr. Moffett or Dr. Garvey before you leave can make all the difference in keeping your schedule on track.
Here’s how the team at Moffett & Walley Orthodontics helps patients plan ahead:
- Need to switch trays mid-trip? They’ll help you figure out the best day to change based on your travel plans.
- Headed out for an extended stretch? You might be sent off with your next set (or two), depending on where you are in treatment.
- Unsure about the tray fit or progress? A quick in-office visit or virtual check-in can give you peace of mind.
When it comes to balancing flexibility and results, Dr. Moffett and Dr. Garvey know how to keep your Invisalign and 3M Clarity Aligners plan moving forward. Coming up next, let’s talk about how to handle a missing aligner without throwing your whole trip off track.
Lost a Tray? Here’s What to Do
Vacations can be unpredictable. Maybe your clear aligners ended up in a napkin at a restaurant or got left behind in a hotel bathroom. It happens more often than you’d think!
Step One: Don’t Panic
The most important thing is to keep your teeth moving, not stall out. If you just started the lost tray, go back to your previous set to hold your progress until you can get a replacement.
Step Two: Contact the Office
Reach out to Moffett & Walley Orthodontics. Dr. Moffett or Dr. Garvey can guide you through the next steps and help determine whether you should move forward, hold steady, or schedule a quick replacement tray when you’re back in town.
Step Three: Plan for the Next Trip
After one lost tray, you’ll never leave home without a case again. Pro tip: toss an extra tray and your last set in your suitcase, just in case.
Next, let’s look at how to keep your trays clean while traveling, even if your Airbnb sink leaves a little to be desired.
Keeping Trays Clean On the Go
You don’t need a five-star hotel bathroom to keep your clear aligners fresh. Whether you’re staying at a beach house on the Mississippi Gulf Coast or camping out near LeFleur’s Bluff, there are plenty of easy ways to stick to your hygiene routine.
Stick With the Basics
- Rinse your trays every time you take them out
- Use a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap to gently scrub them
- Avoid hot water, as it can warp the trays
Think Ahead When Dining Out
Heading out for dinner? Bring your tray case and excuse yourself before the food arrives. Slip out your aligners, give them a rinse in the restroom, and pop them into the case so you’re not scrambling to store them in a napkin (aka: the tray graveyard).
What to Avoid
Skip mouthwash, colorful soaps, and toothpaste with whitening agents. They can damage or stain your trays. Keep things simple and gentle for the best results.
Next up, let’s look at how to keep your wear time on point when you’re off your regular schedule.
Stick With the Schedule, Even on the Go
Travel can throw off even the best routines, but orthodontic treatment doesn’t pause just because your plans do. Dr. Moffett and Dr. Garvey remind patients in Clinton and Madison that hitting your 20 to 22 hours of daily wear is non-negotiable for keeping treatment moving forward.
Start by building your day around your trays. Put them back in right after meals, even if you’re just snacking in the car. Set a timer on your phone to remind yourself if you’re likely to get distracted.
Sleep schedules tend to shift while traveling, but wearing your aligners overnight is one of the easiest ways to bank hours. Don’t skip it.
If you’re flying or road-tripping for long stretches, pop in your trays after TSA or during a rest stop. The sooner they’re in, the better.
Even with a packed schedule, staying on track is possible. And your future self will be glad you did. With support from Dr. Moffett, Dr. Garvey, and the team at Moffett & Walley Orthodontics, you’re never far from the care and guidance you need, even when you’re far from home!
Vacation-Proof Your Clear Aligners Plan
Travel plans don’t have to throw your treatment timeline off. With the right habits and support from Moffett & Walley Orthodontics, your trays stay right where they belong, and so does your progress! Dr. Moffett and Dr. Garvey help patients across Clinton and Madison stick to their schedule without missing a moment of fun. If you’re planning a trip soon, now’s the perfect time to schedule your free consultation and check in before you check out.