Vacations, work trips, and long weekends away are when aligner routines slip. Meals run long, cleaning is harder, and it's easy to lose track of your tray. Here's how to stay on plan.
Packing checklist
- Current aligners, plus the next set if a change falls during the trip
- Previous aligners as a backup
- Aligner case, and a spare if you have one
- Travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- A soft brush and small bottle of clear soap, or aligner cleaning tablets
- Chewies for seating new trays
- Orthodontic wax for rough edges
- A reusable water bottle
Keep all of it in your carry-on. Checked bags get delayed and lost.
On the plane
- With aligners in, drink water only. For in-flight meals or drinks, take them out and put them straight into the case.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating if you can't brush.
- Long flights are a good time to rack up wear hours, especially if you sleep.
Time zones
Count your hours within your local day and keep your aligners in overnight. That's the easiest way to protect your total while your meals and sleep are shifting.
Eating out every meal
Restaurant meals are where aligners get lost and wear time disappears. Put aligners in the case, not a napkin; keep meals as short as the occasion allows; and clean up in the restroom before putting them back in. See eating and drinking with aligners.
Tray changes on the road
Keep to your schedule. Switch at bedtime if you can, and use chewies for the first days. Note the change date so your schedule stays accurate when you're home.
If something goes wrong
If you lose or break an aligner, switch to your backup and contact your orthodontist. See what to do with a lost or broken aligner.
Track it instead of guessing
TrackMyAligners logs your wear time with one tap, reminds you when aligners are out too long, and tells you when to switch trays. Free on iPhone.
The bottom line
Pack backups and a small cleaning kit, keep everything in your carry-on, and protect your overnight hours. A trip doesn't have to set your treatment back.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bring extra aligners when traveling?
Yes. Bring your current aligner, the next one or two if a change falls during your trip, and your previous aligner as a backup in case one is lost or breaks.
Can I take aligners through airport security?
Yes. Aligners and their case can go through security in your carry-on like any personal item.
How do time zones affect wear time?
Just count hours within your local day. Wearing aligners overnight is the easiest way to keep your total up while your schedule is off.
What if I have a tray change while traveling?
Change on schedule as usual. Make sure to pack the next aligner, and consider switching at bedtime.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your orthodontist or dentist knows your case, so follow their instructions if they differ from anything here.