Traveling With Clear Aligners: Hygiene Hacks
Clear aligners require consistent care whether at home or on the road, but travel presents unique challenges for maintaining proper hygiene. This guide provides practical solutions for keeping aligners clean and fresh during trips, with recommendations from dental professionals. Learn how to pack smart, prevent odors, and handle emergencies while traveling with clear aligners.
Choose Effervescent Tablets to Stop Smells
As an orthodontist who does a fair amount of traveling for conferences and continuing education, I have found myself having to practice what I preach regarding retainer wear while on the road (which doubles as a recommendation for clear aligner care). While traveling, I do not bother carrying an ultrasonic cleaner; however, if I am gone for more than a few days, I take my retainers out of their case and soak my retainers in lukewarm water with an effervescent cleaning tablet every few days. This simple routine will keep retainers or aligners clean, odor-free, and free of the film that can build up after long wear hours.
For those wearing aligners or retainers full time, I recommend taking them out to eat and rinsing them with clean water when you take them out to eat, then placing them back in their protective case. The unpleasant odors of retainers and aligners develop when they aren't rinsed or cleaned. Whenever possible, I also gently brush my aligners with a soft, plain toothbrush and clear, non-abrasive soap-never toothpaste, which scratches the plastic and creates a cloudy, dingy appearance over time.
When it comes to airplane travel or long days, we definitely want the aligners or retainers to still be worn. If the flight is short and only a snack is offered, you can decide whether it's worth the hassle to get up and use the restroom after eating to rinse your mouth, or wait until you land to eat.
Most importantly, never store aligners on a table or in a napkin for "just a moment." We have countless stories of former patients who left their retainers or trays at the airport's food court more times than I can count. Since the aligners and clear retainers can be hard to see, they should always be placed back in their case, even at home.
In fact, if there are pets around, keeping the retainers in their case may not even be good enough! Dogs can smell any food particles on retainers through the box and will chew through the case into the retainers. So be extra careful when pets are around.
Taking good care of your aligners and retainers will ensure a more pleasant experience and less costly replacement.
Pack Crystals, Pre-Flight Dip, Carry Spares
When I travel for Jungle Revives safaris or flights from Delhi, I rely on Invisalign cleaning crystals in a leak-proof soak case for overnight clean. Keeps trays crystal clear and odor-free.
My Routine: Pack 10 crystal packets, small Tupperware case, bottled water. Post-meal rinse with lukewarm water (airport sink). Night: Drop tray in case with one crystal packet + 100ml water. Soak 15-30min or overnight. Morning rinse, ready. No brush scratches, kills 99% bacteria.
Flight/Long Day Quick Tip: Pre-flight, soak 15min in airport lounge bathroom. Wear during takeoff (pressure equalizes fine). Mid-flight urge? Rinse mouth with water bottle, pop tray back for 22hr compliance. Carry 2 spares. No fog, no smell after 12hr Delhi-Mumbai. Hygiene solid, treatment on track.
Proven on 20+ flights. Trays stay fresh like home. Dentist approves. Your travel game-changer.
Sip Water Often to Reduce Odor
Regular sips of water help the mouth make saliva and fight germs. Dry air on planes and long drives can slow saliva and raise odor. A refillable bottle makes it easy to drink often without buying sweet drinks.
Sugary or acidic drinks under aligners can trap sugars and feed bacteria. Plain water is the safest choice to clean and cool the mouth between meals. Keep a bottle within reach and take small sips often to keep aligners fresher today.
Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash Before Reinsertion
Alcohol-free mouthwash helps freshen the mouth before putting aligners back in. Formulas without alcohol are less drying and help keep gums calm. A 30 second rinse can cut down germs after snacks or coffee.
Small travel bottles meet flight rules and fit in a pocket or purse. Check the label for gentle germ fighters and avoid strong burning mixes. Pack a small bottle and make a quick rinse your go-to step before reinserting your trays today.
Clear Debris With Interdental Brushes Anywhere
Interdental brushes can remove bits of food when a sink is not near. The small bristles slide between teeth and around attachments without water. A slow, gentle pass along the gumline helps clear plaque that floss might miss on the go.
A vented case keeps them clean and lets them dry between uses. Worn brushes bend and lose shape, so they should be replaced often. Slip a few into a carry case and use them after meals before putting trays back in today.
Reseat Trays Fast via Chewies
Chewies can help trays fit fully after long flights or time changes. Pressure changes and dry tissues can make trays feel loose or high in spots. A gentle bite on a chewie along the front and back teeth helps press the plastic into place.
Short sessions of 5 to 10 minutes can improve fit and comfort. Chewies should be rinsed and stored in a clean case after use. Pack a chewie in your kit and use it to reseat trays whenever they feel off today.
Sanitize Appliances Quickly Through Portable UV
A portable UV sanitizer can clean aligners fast without messy wipes. UV-C light targets germs on the surface in a short cycle. Aligners should be rinsed first to remove any visible debris before a UV cycle.
The tray should sit flat in the device so the light reaches all sides. Devices need charging and a hard case to protect them in a bag. Choose a trusted model and use it on trips for quick, contactless disinfection today.