Whether you’re jetting off to Sydney for work, island-hopping through Greece, or exploring the culture of Bali on holiday, at Urban Smile, your travel plans don’t have to interrupt your clear aligner treatment.
At Urban Smile, we combine in-person visits with the convenience of at-home monitoring through the Dental Monitoring App. This means you can stay on track with your Dream Smile journey, no matter where your passport takes you. With just your smartphone and a few minutes each week, our team can monitor your progress remotely, keeping your treatment moving forward while you enjoy your adventures.
Can I Travel During Clear Aligner Treatment?
The short answer is yes.
One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is the flexibility they offer. Whether you’re heading interstate for work, taking a weekend away, or travelling overseas for your honeymoon or a European summer, your treatment can continue almost exactly as it would at home.
The key is planning ahead.
Before you leave, let your Urban Smile team know about your travel plans. Depending on how long you’ll be away, we may provide additional aligners and adjust your Dental Monitoring schedule so your treatment stays on track while you’re away.
How Dental Monitoring Makes Travelling Easier
One of the biggest concerns patients have when starting clear aligner treatment is whether it will disrupt their travel plans or busy lifestyle. The good news? With Dental Monitoring, you don’t have to choose between straightening your teeth and living your life.
Here’s how it works:
- Weekly Selfies
Each week, you’ll take a series of guided photos or videos of your teeth using the app and a special cheek retractor we provide. Our clinical team reviews these scans to ensure your teeth are tracking as expected. - Real-Time Progress
If something isn’t right, we can provide guidance immediately or schedule an in-person visit only if needed. - Stay Connected Anywhere
Through the Dental Monitoring app, you can chat with our team, ask questions, and receive updates on your treatment progress, even when you’re on the other side of the world.
Planning to Travel? Here’s What to Know
We love helping patients fit treatment into their lifestyle, and Dental Monitoring makes it easier than ever. Here are our top tips for managing your aligners while travelling:
- Start Sooner
Don’t delay your clear aligner treatment because of upcoming travel – there’s no need to wait for the “perfect time” to get started. - Smart Planning
Let us know your travel plans ahead of time. We’ll make sure you have all the aligners you need and schedule any in-person appointments around your trip. - Pack Smart
Bring an “aligner essentials kit” with a toothbrush, toothpaste, aligner case, and cleaning supplies. Always pack your aligners in your carry-on to avoid losing them. - Remote Check-Ins
With Dental Monitoring, your aligner progress is tracked from anywhere. You’ll never have to worry about falling behind while you’re on the go.
What Should I Pack?
Packing your passport? Don’t forget your smile essentials too.
Before you travel, we recommend packing:
- Your current set of clear aligners
- Your next few sets of aligners
- Your previous aligner set as a backup
- Your Dental Monitoring ScanBox
- Your aligner case
- Your chewies
- A travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Aligner cleaning tablets (we sell Orthobrite cleaning tablets in all Urban Smile clinics!)
Keeping everything together in your carry-on luggage means you’ll always have what you need, even if checked baggage is delayed.
What If I Lose an Aligner While Travelling?
It happens more often than you might think.
If you lose or accidentally damage an aligner while you’re away, don’t panic.
If you’ve been advised to keep your previous aligner, wear that one to help prevent your teeth from shifting while you contact our team through the Dental Monitoring app. Depending on where you are in your treatment, we may recommend moving to your next aligner or staying in your previous one until we can assess your progress.
The most important thing is not to stop wearing aligners altogether.
Our team can guide you on the best next step based on your individual treatment plan.
Flying With Clear Aligners
Flying won’t affect your aligners, so you can continue wearing them as normal during your flight.
Long flights can be dehydrating, so remember to drink plenty of water throughout your journey. If you’re eating or drinking anything other than plain water, remove your aligners first, then brush your teeth before putting them back in.
If brushing isn’t possible, rinsing your mouth with water is a good temporary alternative until you can brush properly.
Maintaining your usual routine, even while travelling, helps keep your treatment progressing as planned.
Staying on Track While Abroad
During her treatment, ex AFLW player Tahlia Fellows took a trip to Bali, taking along her Scan Box Pro and clear aligners. Thanks to the Dental Monitoring App, she easily sent scans of her teeth to our clinical team, keeping her treatment on track no matter where she was.
As long as you have Wi-Fi, you can take a scan! This allows you to enjoy your adventures while still working towards your Dream Smile – the new way of orthodontic treatment.
Ready to Start Your Dream Smile Journey
Love to travel? With clear aligners and Dental Monitoring, you can straighten your smile without putting your plans on hold. Book your free consultation today.