Maintaining Retainers While Traveling: A Complete Guide
Medically Reviewed by Whistle Dental Team“Aligners are like invisibility cloak for your teeth-treat them with care and they will work their magic in the shadow”
Not all those who wander are lost. That being said, traveling can be both exciting and stressful, especially if you’re trying to keep up with your dental care routine & Aligner/retainer schedule. Travelling for adventures and, of course, a bagful of souvenirs can be soul-freshening; nevertheless, your aligner treatment shouldn’t stand across or stop you from any excitement. Here are a few tips that are absolutely simple yet make life much easier while travelling.
If you wear retainers, whether after aligners or braces, you know how important it is to maintain them in good condition. Not being able to maintain a proper routine may lead to discomfort or misalignment of your teeth, but fear not! With some simple steps and a little foresight, you can make sure your retainers stay clean, safe, and functional while you’re on the go.
SAFETY FIRST!
Make sure you always carry a durable case with you in your handbag or fanny bag all the time, so that you don’t lose your retainers or keep them wrapped in a tissue paper, which accidentally gets thrown out. This will prevent them from getting lost, damaged, or exposed to dirt and bacteria. If possible, also have some disinfectant wipes along, so that the case is also being disinfected periodically.
SHOWERING ON DIRTY CLOTHES?
Yes, you read it right. Cleaning your retainers is also a vital part of the treatment. Make sure your aligners are always clean when you put them back on, but how do you do it?
Maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, just like your brushing for retainers, also make sure there is a separate toothbrush for retainers.
Always clean it with cold water; never use hot water, which may affect the plasticity of the retainer, leading to distorted aligners.
Don’t take any food without removing aligners except for water.
Make sure your mouth as well as your retainer are clean before you put on your aligners.
You can also use a retainer cleaning tablet, which dissolves in water. It is easily portable and breaks down any buildup of plaque and bacteria present in the retainers.
ORGANISE A RETAINER CLEANING KIT:
While traveling, we will not always be fortunate enough to access washrooms, so it is always better to be ready than to be sorry. A portable, travel-friendly compact kit should always be there on the go:
- Tooth brush- for aligners/retainers
- Soft cloth/Clean wipes
- Toothpaste/gentle soap
- Cleaning crystals/tablets
- Chewies
STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE, NO EXCUSE!
Traveling can disrupt your usual routine
Start making use of mobile applications like Dental Monitoring and Aligner tracker to set reminders and also to track and monitor the aligner schedule.
If you're crossing two different time zones, make sure you plan it ahead and wear aligners accordingly
One pro tip is to ALWAYS CARRY THE BEFORE AND AFTER SET, especially while travelling, just to make sure even if you miss or the current set is damaged or not fitting properly, you can make use of the rest until you come back and meet your dentist
DON’T TRY TO SWIM WITH YOUR SHOES ON!
That being said, please avoid eating anything with retainers on. Ensure to remove them before having any food, and don’t forget to put them back!
Avoid eating sugary or sticky foods if you don’t have access to any washrooms to brush your teeth.
Room temperature water is safe to consume with retainers, but other than that, rest all is prohibited; make sure you hydrate yourself well.
Don’t take any stained beverages or sodas with your retainers on.
No smoking with retainers, it will also be great if you can quit that habit for good.
Make sure you have access to a clean napkin or tissue to keep the retainers safe until you finish eating or drinking.
No chewing with aligners/ retainers on.
Conclusion
‘Behind every great smile is an aligner doing heavy lifting; treat it well. These are a few easy steps that make both your travelling and aligner journey comfortable and more enjoyable.
See the world while you have the opportunity! Meanwhile, aligners/retainers will straighten things out.
Also Read:
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Maintaining Retainers While Traveling
Retainers cleaning
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Medically Reviewed by Whistle Dental Team
Medically Reviewed by Whistle Dental Team
Medically Reviewed by Whistle Dental Team
