If you forget to bring your Invisalign aligners while traveling, it can be very stressful especially if you learn you might be gone for a few days or weeks. But don’t worry, it happens to many people. It’s not ideal but there are things you can do to lessen the effect.
The amount of time you’re without your aligners has a big impact on what to do next. If you’re only going away for a few days, your orthodontist might suggest you just extend your current aligner stage when you get back. If you’re going on a longer trip, you might need to order new aligners and have them sent to you or stop treatment for a while. Adult Treatment offers modern orthodontic solutions tailored to the needs of adult patients. Many individuals choose Adult Treatment to improve alignment and confidence at any age.
Not wearing your aligners for a few days can slow down your treatment. When not maintained in place by aligners, teeth tend to go back to their original position. The longer you don’t wear them, the more likely they will go backward. That’s why it’s so important to act fast and talk to your provider.
If you’re going to be in one spot for a long time, your orthodontist might be able to send you new aligners. But this process can take a few days and may cost more if you need them to arrive faster. Some patients want their aligners sent to their hotel or vacation rental but you should check if the place can accept shipments.
We suggest a few ways for Parkland patients to not get sick on their next trip. To not forget your aligners while traveling, always pack them in your carry-on suitcase instead of your checked bag. Put your aligner case and cleaning tools where you can get to them quickly. Some people find it helpful to bring their old set of aligners with them as a backup.
You may forget to bring important things by making a travel list that includes your orthodontic supplies. Before you leave home, set reminders on your phone to make sure you have packed your aligners, cleaning crystals and any other items you need.
Make an appointment with your orthodontist when you get back from your trip to see if anything has changed and to talk about how to move forward with your treatment. Depending on how your teeth reacted to the pause in treatment, your provider might suggest you wear your current aligners for longer than you had intended or go to the next step.
Forgetting your aligners is annoying and can make your treatment take longer but it doesn’t mean all your orthodontic progress is lost. With the right changes to their treatment plan, most patients can get back on track. The most important thing is to keep talking to your provider and respond quickly when these things happen. Dr. Tomas Marrecau brings a strong academic background and a genuinely patient-focused approach to orthodontic care. After studying molecular biology at Princeton and completing dental school at Tufts, he finished his orthodontic residency at the University of Pennsylvania, gaining advanced training in modern treatment techniques. At his Parkland practice, he focuses on individualized care, creating treatment plans that fit each patient’s needs and long-term goals. Outside the office, he stays active through tennis, golf, and travel, keeping the same easygoing energy he brings to his work.