How to Travel with Your Clear Retainers (Stress-Free)
Whether you're headed to a weekend getaway or hopping continents, your retainer deserves a spot in your travel essentials—right next to your SPF and AirPods.
Clear retainers may be small, but they play a huge role in keeping your smile exactly where it should be. The good news? With a little prep, your travel routine can stay smooth, stylish, and stress-free—no mid-trip shifting surprises, no airport retainer dramas. Here’s your go-to guide for keeping your retainers safe, clean, and totally travel-ready. (No toothbrush-in-a-Ziploc energy here. We’re doing this the aesthetic way.)
🧳 What to Pack to Keep Your Retainer Safe and Clean
Your clear retainers may not take up much space, but a few thoughtful travel items can make all the difference:
- ✔️ **Retainer case** – Always the #1 must-pack. NewSmile’s case is compact, durable, and modern enough to toss in your carry-on or tote without feeling clunky. Bonus: it keeps your retainers protected from mystery purse crumbs.
- ✔️ **Travel toothbrush + gentle cleanser** – A mini brush and a travel-size, fragrance-free soap or cleanser (or retainer wipes!) are perfect for quick refreshes on the go.
- ✔️ **Small towel or cloth** – For drying your retainers before putting them back in. Avoid wrapping them in napkins—they will get thrown out.
- ✔️ **Distilled water or a rinse bottle** – Especially helpful for plane rides when bathroom access is limited.
✨ **Tip:** Pack your retainer gear in a chic pouch so you can easily grab it mid-flight, at the hotel, or in the car without digging through everything you own.
😬 What to Do If You Lose It While You’re Away
We’ve all had that moment: you’re halfway through dinner when you realize you left your retainer in a napkin. Or worse—it’s not in your bag at all.
If you lose your retainer mid-trip:
- **Don’t panic** – A day or two without it likely won’t undo all your progress. But the sooner you get a replacement, the better.
- **Keep your teeth clean** – Brush regularly and floss daily to avoid plaque buildup.
- **Reach out to your provider** – If you're a NewSmile customer, you can easily order a replacement retainer online—no office visit or awkward phone call required.
- **Try to wear your last aligner tray** – If you're still in treatment, this can help prevent shifting temporarily.
Losing a retainer on vacation isn’t ideal—but it’s fixable. Just act quickly and stay consistent when you return home.
🧼 Hotel + Plane Hygiene Tips
Let’s talk clean. Your retainer spends a lot of time in your mouth, so keeping it fresh while traveling is non-negotiable.
On flights:
- Pop it out discreetly before meals (bring a napkin and your case)
- Avoid setting it directly on trays or counters—always use your case
- Rinse with bottled or distilled water if you don’t trust the airplane sink
In hotels:
- Use the sink, but avoid soaking in hotel glasses
- Dry it completely before storing
- Don’t leave it near vents or windows—extreme heat can warp the plastic
With NewSmile’s slim and breathable retainer case, you can avoid moisture buildup and keep things travel-hygienic, even when your routine’s a little off.
💼 Travel Cases That Are Cute and Practical
Functionality doesn’t have to look boring. Whether you’re throwing it into your weekender or organizing your airport pouch, these case must-haves will keep your retainer stylishly safe:
- **Hard shell** – Keeps your retainer from getting crushed by your dry shampoo bottle
- **Ventilation holes** – Helps prevent odor-causing bacteria buildup
- **Slim profile** – So it fits in your tote, crossbody, or even a pocket
- **Neutral or aesthetic color** – Because your travel accessories should match your vibe, not clash with it
NewSmile’s included case checks every box—sleek, secure, and chic enough to live next to your mini perfume and lip balm. No one needs to know it’s holding your retainer.
✨ Final Thought: Travel Light, Smile Bright
Traveling with your clear retainer doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning and the right gear, it becomes just another part of your effortlessly pulled-together routine.
Whether you’re hitting up local cafés, wandering cobbled streets, or simply escaping your daily grind—your retainer should move with you, not hold you back.
With brands like NewSmile, keeping your post-treatment smile secure (and stylish) while on the go is actually…kind of easy.
Bon voyage and happy smiling, wherever life takes you. 💼🦷💫