Dr Lawson is very gentle and kind. He has a very engaging personality and I was totally at ease with the procedure. He is also very conservative in his evaluations of needed work and will only do what is necessary which will give you the greatest result for your dental health. I feel he is very honest and genuinely cares to serve you in the best way. I reccomend him very highly.
Traveling is one of life’s best things. It’s also one of the easiest ways to accidentally fall behind on your aligner wear time. Between early flights, long dinners, and days when your whole routine goes out the window, it’s surprisingly easy to lose track of hours. The good news? Staying on schedule doesn’t have to be complicated. A little planning before you leave makes a big difference once you’re on the road.
Why Wear Time Matters More Than You Think
Clear aligners work by applying consistent, gentle pressure to shift your teeth gradually into position. That progress depends on wearing your trays for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day, every day. Even a few days of reduced wear can slow your treatment, affect how your next tray fits, or push back your finish date. Travel doesn’t pause your treatment timeline, which means it’s worth being intentional about keeping things on track even when life gets a little unpredictable.
Tips for Staying on Schedule While You Travel
A few simple habits can help you protect your progress no matter where you’re headed.
- Pack a dedicated travel case. Always bring your aligner case and keep it somewhere easy to reach: a carry-on pocket, a toiletry bag, or a purse. When your case is out of sight, your trays are more likely to end up wrapped in a napkin (and lost).
- Set phone reminders. Time zones, packed itineraries, and late nights can all throw off your internal clock. A simple daily reminder to check your wear time takes the guesswork out of it.
- Brush before you put them back in. Traveling often means eating on the go, which makes it tempting to skip brushing between meals. Try to rinse your mouth and clean your trays before reinserting them. Even a quick rinse is better than nothing.
- Keep your next tray with you. If you’re close to switching trays, bring the next set along. That way, if something happens to your current trays, you have a backup and can move forward without a gap in treatment.
- Build removal time into your plans. Think through your meals and activities in advance. If you know you have a long dinner or a full-day excursion, factor in when you’ll remove and reinsert your trays so the hours don’t slip away unnoticed.
- Stay consistent with oral hygiene. Skipping brushing and flossing while traveling can increase your risk of plaque buildup under the trays. Pack a small travel toothbrush, floss, and aligner cleaning supplies so you’re never caught without what you need.
When You Get Home
Give your trays a good cleaning after your trip and check in with how they’re fitting. If anything feels off, like the aligners are tighter than expected, uncomfortable, or like your teeth have shifted, reach out to our dental team before moving to the next set. It’s always better to flag it early.
Travel is meant to be enjoyed. Your smile goals don’t have to take a back seat to get there. A little consistency on the road goes a long way toward keeping your treatment moving in the right direction.
Ready to start your aligner journey or check in on your progress? Call Main Street Dental at Southlands at 303-223-6428 for an appointment in Aurora, CO. You can also request an appointment online.