Summer Smiles: Invisalign® Or Braces, Travel Tips And Remote Care Tips
May 15, 2026
Choosing Between Invisalign® and Fixed Braces for Summer
- Invisalign®: Clear, removable aligners worn 20–22 hours/day. Ideal for travel, discreet in photos, easy to clean. Remove for meals and drinks other than still water.
- Fixed braces: Metal or ceramic, work continuously. No wear-time tracking needed but require dietary adjustments and a small care kit.
Tips:
- Eating out, picnics, long flights – Invisalign® is convenient for removal and cleaning.
- Fixed braces – simpler "set-and-forget" option for continuous treatment.
Eating Out, Picnics and Festivals
- Invisalign®: Remove for meals/snacks, rinse or brush before reinserting. Avoid sipping coloured or sugary drinks.
- Fixed braces: Choose soft foods, cut tough items, avoid hard/sticky foods. Carry interdental brushes, travel toothbrush, and orthodontic wax.
- Tip: Pack a small travel kit to stay prepared.
Flights, Road Trips and Time Zones
- Invisalign®: Maintain 20–22 hours wear; use phone reminders. Change trays mid-flight only with clean hands and kit.
- Hydration: Drink still water; rinse aligners after meals.
- Fixed braces: Keep wax handy; message via Dental Monitoring if discomfort arises.
Swimming, Beaches and Contact Sports
- Swimming: Invisalign® can be worn or removed safely; store in case if removed.
- Contact sports: Custom mouthguards for aligners; essential mouthguards for braces.
- Sand & sunscreen: Wash hands before appliance handling; keep aligner cases and wax out of direct sun.
What to Pack in Your Summer Orthodontic Kit
- Aligner case or brace box + spare case
- Travel toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, interdental brushes, floss threaders
- Aligner cleaning crystals or mild clear soap
- Orthodontic wax and small mirror
- OTC pain relief for short-term tenderness
- Optional for flying: labelled zip pouch for security, second set of aligners in checked luggage
Remote Care Made Easy With Dental Monitoring
- Upload guided photos or short videos via Dental Monitoring app
- Specialist Orthodontist reviews scans and sends tailored advice
- Benefits while travelling: fewer routine visits, early advice for minor issues, timely guidance on aligners, elastics, and hygiene
- Urgent issues abroad: send images via app for short-term guidance
Pre-Summer Start Checklist
- Book a free video consultation to assess suitability and goals
- Attend clinic for iTero scanning and clinical assessment
- Confirm plan and finance options; learn Dental Monitoring usage if Invisalign® chosen
- Stock your travel kit and save clinic contacts, including app login
Tip: Browse Invisalign® before and after gallery for inspiration.
Quick Cost Guidance
- Exact fees bespoke; confirmed after assessment
- Flexible monthly payment options available for summer start
FAQs
- How do I choose between Invisalign® and fixed braces? Consider travel schedule, eating habits, and sport. Invisalign® offers flexibility; braces are continuous treatment. Specialist consultation confirms suitability.
- Can I travel while in treatment? Yes, with a travel kit, aligner adherence, brace-friendly diet, and Dental Monitoring check-ins.
- What does remote monitoring look like? Take photos, upload via app, receive feedback, and guidance on next steps.
Ready to Get Summer Started
- Start before school break to establish routines
- Book a free video consultation for tailored advice on Invisalign® or fixed braces
- Local clinics: Stockton and Jesmond – convenient appointments around your travel schedule