Travel throws off routines. That’s part of the appeal, and the risk, when you’re wearing Invisalign. You want to explore a new city, eat street food, maybe catch a red-eye, and still maintain the rhythm your aligners require. I’ve coached plenty of patients through business trips to Toronto, ski weekends in Banff, backpacking in Europe, even multi-country deployments that stretched over months. The patterns are the same: plan small, practical details ahead of time, build habits you can repeat in unfamiliar environments, and give yourself a margin of safety for the moments when travel chaos hits.
This guide pulls together what actually helps, especially for folks starting Invisalign in Calgary who juggle busy calendars. The advice applies anywhere, but you’ll see local nuance, from dry prairie air to airport security and clinic coordination with a Calgary orthodontist.
Why travel derails Invisalign, and how to avoid it
Invisalign relies on steady, consistent force. That means wearing your trays 20 to 22 hours a day, chewing with proper seating when you switch to a new set, and keeping your case close. When you travel, three risks creep in: extended time without trays during meals and flights, lost or broken aligners, and schedule drift that throws off tray changes and follow-up checkups with your orthodontist.
The fix is not complicated. Pack a small, purpose-built kit, know what to do if a tray disappears, and clarify your treatment schedule before you go. Most treatment hiccups stem from avoidable moments, like wrapping an aligner in a napkin and forgetting it on a café table, or stowing your case in a checked bag that takes a different plane to Vancouver. Build habits that survive fatigue and time zones.
The carry-on kit that saves your day
If you only act on one piece of advice, make it this: create a pocket-sized Invisalign kit and keep it in your personal item, not your checked luggage. The exact items vary by person, but there’s a core set that works well, especially for frequent flyers and road trippers.
- A slim hard case for your current tray and a backup case A travel toothbrush, small toothpaste, and interdental brushes or floss picks A few pre-cut dental “chewies” or a silicone bite wafer for seating new trays A small bottle of alcohol-free mouthwash and travel-size hand sanitizer
That’s list one. Keep it simple. When you can reach this kit without rummaging, you are much more likely to remove, store, clean, and reseat your aligners properly in places that aren’t set up for dental routines.
If space allows, throw in a couple of individually wrapped cleaning tablets. They’re a lifesaver after a long haul flight where you wore aligners through a few naps and a movie marathon.
Timing tray changes around flights and time zones
Tray change day matters more when you travel. New aligners feel tight for the first 12 to 24 hours. On a flight, pressure changes, dry air, and limited water access can make that tightness more noticeable. If you’re flying, switch to your new tray the night before or after you land. On a red-eye, the ideal move is changing right before you sleep on the plane, then leaving them in until you’re through security on the other side. Less talking, more continuous wear, smoother adjustment.
In big time zone jumps, stick to your home schedule on paper. If you change trays every Wednesday night in Calgary, keep that cadence by the clock, even if you are in Montreal or London. The calendar reminder does the thinking for you. Most treatment plans allow a one or two day flexibility window. If you need to shift your change day due to a wedding or backcountry trip, align the move with guidance from your Calgary orthodontist and build it into your plan, not as a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Eating on the go without setting yourself back
High-paced trips introduce snacking traps. You sip a latte, nibble a pastry, sip again, and suddenly your aligners have been out for 90 minutes. Two meals like that and you’ve shaved hours off your day.
Aim for defined meal windows. Remove your aligners, put them straight into the case, eat the meal, then rinse or brush and reseat them. On days that are truly hectic, prioritize rinsing well if you cannot brush right away. Swish with water for 30 seconds, then pop them back Orthodontist in. Plan to brush when you hit your next checkpoint, like the airport lounge or hotel room. The goal is to minimize untracked aligner-free time.
Avoid hot beverages with aligners in. Heat can warp the trays. If caffeine is your travel crutch, drink it during your meal window, then rinse and reseat. If you sip for hours, you’ll either keep taking trays in and out, or you’ll leave them in and bathe them in sugar or acid. Neither helps. Choose a beverage window, then go back to water.
Keeping aligners clean in imperfect conditions
You won’t always have a sink, and plane lavatories aren’t the friendliest place to brush. When you can, brush aligners with a soft toothbrush and cool water. Skip toothpaste on the trays if it’s abrasive. If you can’t brush, rinse under running water or use bottled water. A quick mouthwash rinse freshens your breath but won’t remove plaque. Use it as a stopgap, not a substitute.
On longer trips, drop the aligners into a cup with a cleaning tablet once a day. Five to fifteen minutes is enough for most products. If you are in a region where clean water is a concern, use bottled water for rinsing and cleaning. Calgary’s water is fine, but when you’re somewhere new, check the local guidance.
One caution: aligners pick up odors. Leaving them wrapped in tissue is the fastest way to make them smell and to lose them. Always, always use the case. If your case is bright red or neon green, even better. It stands out when you are packing up in a dim café.
What to do if you lose, crack, or warp a tray
It happens. The moment you realize your aligner is missing, pause the panic. The next steps depend on where you are in the wear cycle.
If you lose a tray within the first few days of that stage, go back to the previous set and wear it full time. Then contact your orthodontist. If you are later in the cycle, say day 9 of 14, try the next set. If it seats fully without significant pain or rocking, continue with the next set and extend wear a few extra days to regain tracking. If the next set won’t seat, return to the previous set and call for advice.
Cracks are tricky. A hairline crack that does not affect fit can be fine for a few days. A split that compromises retention needs attention. In a pinch, a tiny dot of orthodontic wax can reduce irritation from a sharp edge. Resist the urge to glue anything.
Heat warping is a common surprise. If you drink hot tea with aligners in, they can subtly deform. If they feel oddly loose or no longer seat, switch back to the previous set and reach out. A Calgary orthodontist can often ship a replacement or coordinate with a local clinic if you’re away for an extended period.
Coordinating with your clinic before you go
Good planning with your orthodontist keeps small issues small. If you know you’ll be traveling for more than two weeks, ask for additional trays in advance. Many Invisalign plans can safely release two or three sets if you demonstrate good compliance. If you’re heading out for eight weeks or more, discuss virtual check-ins. Clear photos and short videos of you seating the aligner help your orthodontist assess tracking.
Share your trip dates, time zones, and any special conditions, such as scuba diving, high-altitude trekking, or contact sports. For example, repeated pressure changes from frequent flying are fine, but chewing gum to clear your ears can tug on aligners. There are better methods, like swallowing, yawning, or using filtered earplugs.
Ask your clinic for a digital copy of your treatment plan summary. If you use a Calgary clinic, many will send a PDF with your current stage and next targets. Save it to your phone. If you need emergency guidance from another family orthodontist while you’re away, that document speeds up triage.
Air travel, security, and dental care in transit
Aligners and cases do not trigger security alarms. Keep the kit in your personal item for quick access. TSA and CATSA allow dental supplies, including small scissors and floss picks, but scissors over certain lengths are restricted. Interdental brushes are fine. Liquids follow standard rules, so keep mouthwash and sanitizer in 100 ml bottles.
On long flights, prioritize water. Cabin air is dry, especially during Calgary’s winter travel when humidity is already low. Dryness can irritate gums. If your mouth feels tacky, sip water and use a lip balm. Skip alcohol-forward mouthwashes inflight, they can dry tissues further. If you wake up from a plane nap and your aligners feel slightly loose, seat them with a chewie for a minute or two.
Road trips, camping, and the backcountry
Camping with Invisalign works if you prep water and hygiene. Pack more water than you think you need, allocated for cleaning and rinsing, not only drinking. A collapsible cup and a headlamp make nighttime routines sane. Use biodegradable soap away from waterways and dispose of rinse water properly. In grittier environments, a small zip bag keeps your case clean inside a backpack. Dust is surprisingly clingy on aligners, so rinse before reseating if your case got dirty.
If bears are a concern, store dental items with your food in the designated container. Toothpaste and mouthwash have scents. Don’t put your aligner case in your sleeping bag. That’s how cases go missing in the dark.
Backcountry trips longer than your tray cycle need a call with your orthodontist. Decide whether to stay on your current tray for the duration, switch mid-trip, or pause changes. Consistency beats aggressive switching when your environment is unpredictable.
Business travel, presentations, and social meals
Aligners usually look invisible at conversation distance, but microphones pick up dry mouth clicks. Before presenting, sip water and seat the aligners firmly. If speaking feels a little slushy right after switching trays, practice aloud for five minutes. The tongue adapts quickly. For high-stakes presentations where you’re anxious about diction, you can remove the trays for the duration, as long as you put them back in right after. Budget that time into your 20 to 22 hour target.
Networking dinners tempt you to graze. Choose sit-down courses when possible instead of small bites. If appetizers arrive over an hour, either pick a defined eating window or politely skip a round. A quick excuse like “I’m in aligners and sticking to a schedule” is enough. People are more curious than judgmental, and many have had Calgary braces or adult braces themselves. Orthodontics is mainstream, and colleagues understand.
Alcohol, coffee, and special cuisines
Wine, beer, and cocktails stain aligners if you drink with them in. It’s not just discoloration, sugar and acid increase the risk of decay. Take them out, drink, rinse, and reseat. If that sounds tedious, choose clear spirits with soda and drink during a single window, not a slow drip over hours. Then switch back to water.
Coffee is the habitual hazard, especially on conference days. If you cannot live without it, consolidate two cups into your breakfast window. Rinse afterward. Many Invisalign Calgary patients tell me this rule alone kept them on track even with daily lattes. It becomes a rhythm: eat, drink, rinse, aligners back in.
Spicy or turmeric-heavy foods can stain aligners if you forget and leave them in. Street food is worth the adventure, just use your case, not a napkin, and rinse with bottled water if needed.
Managing pain and pressure while away
Most discomfort peaks on day one of a new tray and fades within 24 to 48 hours. Over-the-counter pain relief helps, taken with food. Avoid taking medication on an empty stomach just before a long flight. Chewies work wonders for seating and reducing hot spots. If a tray edge rubs your cheek, smooth it gently with an emery board, short light strokes, and test fit. Orthodontic wax can cushion a stubborn spot.
If pain spikes or a tray will not fully seat after two consistent days, stop advancing and contact your provider. Video consults fill the gap. Calgary clinics increasingly offer quick virtual slots for travelers, which is a practical upgrade over limping through a month of poor fit.
When you need a local clinic
Extended travel sometimes demands chair time. If you’re gone for months, ask your Calgary orthodontist for a referral network. Many family orthodontist groups have colleagues who can check tracking, perform minor IPR as planned, or supply a lost set with a verified stage. Dental tourism advice online varies in quality. Rely on clinician-to-clinician introductions when possible. If an urgent issue arises without a referral, a reputable local orthodontist can still help, but bring your plan summary and your last well-fitting tray.
Clinics that handle travelers will ask clear questions: what stage are you on, when did you last change, can you seat the current tray fully, where are the tightest contacts, is there a rotation that’s lagging. Having notes on your phone makes this smoother.
Weather, altitude, and Calgary-specific quirks
Calgary’s climate swings teach good habits. Dry winters and chinooks can leave your mouth parched. That dryness is amplified on aircraft. Hydration matters more than you think for comfort. Carry a reusable bottle and refill after security. If you are heading to a humid destination, cleaning is easier but aligners can feel tacky if you drink sugary beverages often. Same solution: water and scheduled meal windows.
Altitude changes, whether from mountain drives or flights, do not harm aligners. They can cause mild sinus or ear pressure that makes you clench. Be mindful not to grind into trays. If you’re an aggressive clencher, consider asking your orthodontist about a temporary protective strategy during long flights, such as extra chewie sessions to ensure seating afterward.
Sports and adventure activities while traveling
If you play pickup hockey, mountain bike, ski, or surf on your trip, consider a sports mouthguard. Aligners are not a substitute for protection. Remove them during contact sports and store them in your case. If your plans involve scuba diving, you will likely keep them in. Regulators don’t typically interfere, but dryness increases. Hydrate well before and after, and avoid hot boat beverages with aligners in.
If you grind teeth during high-effort activities, be aware you can chew through a tray over time. It’s rare but not unheard of. If you notice a pattern, alert your orthodontist. They may tweak your change intervals or recommend a protective habit.
Insurance, costs, and replacements on the road
Most Invisalign programs include a set number of replacement trays, often one or two per arch at no charge, with additional replacements adding cost. Policies differ. Ask before you travel. If you’re prone to losing things, carry the previous set as a backup in your luggage. Do not keep extra sets in your daily bag where they can be lost with the case. If a replacement must be shipped internationally, expect shipping times of 3 to 10 days and possible customs delays. That’s a strong argument for having one spare set in hand before a long international trip.
If you use a health spending account, keep receipts for any supplies or emergency visits. Some plans reimburse cleaning tablets and travel care items as eligible dental supplies. The amounts are small, but it’s worth knowing.
The two habits that make the biggest difference
- Always use your case. Not a pocket, not a napkin, not your backpack top pouch. The case. Resume wear immediately after eating, even if you cannot brush. Rinse, then put them in. Brush at the next opportunity.
Those two rules preserve the 20 to 22 hour target more reliably than any gadget or app.
For parents managing teens and aligners on family trips
Family travel collapses routines, and teens with aligners find the freedoms of buffets and late-night snacks irresistible. Set simple expectations. The case stays on their person, not buried in luggage. Agree on change day and align it with a quieter day in the itinerary. If you’re visiting relatives who love to feed everyone all afternoon, define a snack hour and then shift to water. Teens respond well to specific guardrails. Vague reminders don’t survive vacation energy.
If your teen also wears clear braces or had Calgary braces in the past and is now finishing with Invisalign refinements, watch for crossovers in habits. Braces taught them to avoid sticky foods, but Invisalign requires a different rhythm: scheduled eating and fast reseating. Model it yourself if you’re also in treatment. Nothing beats a parent popping the case onto the restaurant table as a quiet signal.
When to pause, when to push
Most trips do not justify pausing treatment. Momentum is your friend. If your journey involves truly unpredictable stretches, like remote expedition work or a festival with limited water and hygiene, discuss a short pause with your orthodontist. Staying on the same tray for an extra week is safer than advancing through two sets poorly. Conversely, if your travel is structured and you can keep your kit handy, stay on schedule. I’ve had patients finish on time through multi-country consulting gigs because they kept the basics tight: case, rinse, reseat.
Working with a Calgary orthodontist who understands travel
If you live in Calgary and travel often, look for a clinic that embraces flexibility. Ask how they handle extended trips, virtual check-ins, and replacement logistics. Some clinics build travel blocks into the treatment timeline, releasing aligners in sets that align with your calendar. If you are comparing options between Invisalign Calgary providers, clear braces, or adult braces, weigh how each approach fits your travel style. Braces remove the in-out dance around meals but complicate cleaning on the road. Invisalign gives you control if you’re disciplined about wear time.
The best clinics take your job and family life into account. They ask about travel before you start and set expectations honestly. That partnership matters more than the brand name on the box.
Final thought you can act on today
Pack the kit, set a calendar reminder for tray change day, and tell your orthodontist your travel dates. That trifecta keeps treatment on track while you live your life. Travel can test routines, but Invisalign is built for modern schedules. With a few smart habits and a responsive Calgary orthodontist in your corner, you can enjoy the trip and still see those teeth track the way they should.
NAP (Brand-Level + 6 Calgary Locations)
Business Name: Family Braces
Website: https://familybraces.ca
Email: [email protected]
Phone (Main): (403) 202-9220
Fax: (403) 202-9227
Hours (General Inquiries):
Monday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Locations (6 Clinics Across Calgary, AB):
NW Calgary (Beacon Hill): 11820 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3R 0A1 — Tel: (403) 234-6006
NE Calgary (Deerfoot City): 901 64 Ave NE, Suite #4182, Calgary, AB T2E 7P4 — Tel: (403) 234-6008
SW Calgary (Shawnessy): 303 Shawville Blvd SE #500, Calgary, AB T2Y 3W6 — Tel: (403) 234-6007
SE Calgary (McKenzie): 89, 4307-130th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 3V8 — Tel: (403) 234-6009
West Calgary (Westhills): 470B Stewart Green SW, Calgary, AB T3H 3C8 — Tel: (403) 234-6004
East Calgary (East Hills): 165 East Hills Boulevard SE, Calgary, AB T2A 6Z8 — Tel: (403) 234-6005
Google Maps:
NW (Beacon Hill): View on Google Maps
NE (Deerfoot City): View on Google Maps
SW (Shawnessy): View on Google Maps
SE (McKenzie): View on Google Maps
West (Westhills): View on Google Maps
East (East Hills): View on Google Maps
Maps (6 Locations):
NW (Beacon Hill)
NE (Deerfoot City)
SW (Shawnessy)
SE (McKenzie)
West (Westhills)
East (East Hills)
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Family Braces is a Calgary, Alberta orthodontic brand that provides braces and Invisalign through six clinics across the city and can be reached at (403) 202-9220.
Family Braces offers orthodontic services such as Invisalign, traditional braces, clear braces, retainers, and early phase one treatment options for kids and teens in Calgary.
Family Braces operates in multiple Calgary areas including NW (Beacon Hill), NE (Deerfoot City), SW (Shawnessy), SE (McKenzie), West (Westhills), and East (East Hills) to make orthodontic care more accessible across the city.
Family Braces has a primary clinic location at 11820 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3R 0A1 and also serves patients from additional Calgary shopping-centre-based clinics across other quadrants.
Family Braces provides free consultation appointments for patients who want to explore braces or Invisalign options before starting treatment.
Family Braces supports flexible payment approaches and financing options, and patients should confirm current pricing details directly with the clinic team.
Family Braces can be contacted by email at [email protected] for general questions and scheduling support.
Family Braces maintains public clinic listings on Google Maps, including the Beacon Hill clinic listing at https://www.google.com/maps?cid=16805613282543881448.
Popular Questions About Family Braces
What does Family Braces specialize in?
Family Braces focuses on orthodontic care in Calgary, including braces and Invisalign-style clear aligner treatment options. Treatment recommendations can vary based on an exam and records, so it’s best to book a consultation to confirm what’s right for your situation.
How many locations does Family Braces have in Calgary?
Family Braces has six clinic locations across Calgary (NW, NE, SW, SE, West, and East), designed to make appointments more convenient across different parts of the city.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist at Family Braces?
Family Braces generally promotes a no-referral-needed approach for getting started. If you have a dentist or healthcare provider, you can still share relevant records, but most people can begin by booking directly.
What orthodontic treatment options are available?
Depending on your needs, Family Braces may offer options like metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, retainers, and early orthodontic treatment for children. Your consultation is typically the best way to compare options for comfort, timeline, and budget.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Orthodontic timelines vary by case complexity, bite correction needs, and how consistently appliances are worn (for aligners). Many treatments commonly take months to a couple of years, but your plan may be shorter or longer.
Does Family Braces offer financing or payment plans?
Family Braces markets payment plan options and financing approaches. Because terms can change, it’s smart to ask during your consultation for the most current monthly payment options and what’s included in the total fee.
Are there options for kids and teens?
Yes, Family Braces offers orthodontic care for children and teens, including early phase one treatment options (when appropriate) and full treatment planning once more permanent teeth are in.
How do I contact Family Braces to book an appointment?
Call +1 (403) 202-9220 or email [email protected] to ask about booking. Website: https://familybraces.ca
Social: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube.
Landmarks Near Calgary, Alberta
Family Braces is proud to serve the Beacon Hill (NW Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for orthodontist services in Beacon Hill (NW Calgary), visit Family Braces near Beacon Hill Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the NW Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign options for many ages. If you’re looking for braces in NW Calgary, visit Family Braces near Costco (Beacon Hill area).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Deerfoot City (NE Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Deerfoot City (NE Calgary), visit Family Braces near Deerfoot City Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the NE Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in NE Calgary, visit Family Braces near The Rec Room (Deerfoot City).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Shawnessy (SW Calgary) community and provides orthodontic services including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for braces in Shawnessy (SW Calgary), visit Family Braces near Shawnessy Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the SW Calgary community and offers Invisalign and braces consultations. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in SW Calgary, visit Family Braces near Shawnessy LRT Station.
Family Braces is proud to serve the McKenzie area (SE Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for braces in SE Calgary, visit Family Braces near McKenzie Shopping Center.
Family Braces is proud to serve the SE Calgary community and offers orthodontic consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in SE Calgary, visit Family Braces near Staples (130th Ave SE area).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Westhills (West Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in West Calgary, visit Family Braces near Westhills Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the West Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for braces in West Calgary, visit Family Braces near Cineplex (Westhills).
Family Braces is proud to serve the East Hills (East Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in East Calgary, visit Family Braces near East Hills Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the East Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in East Calgary, visit Family Braces near Costco (East Hills).