Traveling with Clear Aligners: Flights, Road Trips and Time Zones

A vacation, a work trip or a drive to see family shouldn't derail your clear aligner treatment. With a little planning, you can stay on schedule wherever you go.

• Your current aligners in their case
• Your previous set as a backup
• Your next set, if you'll switch during the trip
• Travel toothbrush, small toothpaste and floss
• Cleaning tablets or a small bottle of clear soap
• Your provider's phone number saved in your phone

Aligners go in your carry-on, never in checked luggage. Travel-size toothpaste follows the usual liquids rules for carry-on bags. You can keep your trays in during security screening.

• Keep aligners in during the flight and drink plain water; cabin air is dry.
• Take trays out for meals and snacks, and put them straight into the case — not on the tray table.
• If you can't brush after eating, rinse with water before putting the trays back in.

Plan meal stops rather than snacking on the go, since every snack means taking trays out. Never leave your aligner case in a parked car in the heat — a car interior in an Oklahoma summer can warp the plastic.

Your schedule follows the number of days you've worn each set, not the clock. Keep wearing your trays 20 to 22 hours a day, and switch sets on the day you're scheduled to, in whatever time zone you're in. If you switch at bedtime at home, switch at bedtime where you are.

• Put in your previous set to hold your progress.
• If your next set is with you and you're close to switching, ask your provider whether to move ahead.
• Call your provider to arrange a replacement if needed.
• Don't go without any aligner for long — teeth can start shifting within days.

If you'll be away for several weeks, tell your provider before you leave. They can give you enough sets to cover the trip and advise you on how to handle a check-in you'll miss.

Your Infinity Aligner certified provider can help you plan around upcoming travel so your treatment stays on track.