The holidays are here again, and as such your schedule has probably gotten a lot busier. If you’re currently wearing Invisalign to straighten your teeth, then you need to be careful; with the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be all too easy to make a mistake that disrupts the process. Here are 4 tips for ensuring that your Invisalign treatment stays on track during the holidays.
1. Set a Reminder to Keep Your Aligners in Your Mouth
You need to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours every day, but when your schedule is packed during the holidays, you may end up forgetting to do so. If this happens too often, it could throw off your treatment timeline. You can set an alert on your cell phone to remind yourself to wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time.
2. Always Carry the Storage Case for Your Aligners with You
You might think that it’s safe to place your clear aligners on a napkin or the table while you eat, but there’s a chance that you might leave them behind or throw them in the trash by mistake. To prevent this from happening, you should always carry your aligners’ storage case in your pocket or purse; that way, you can safely store them during meals and will know exactly where they are once it’s time to put them back in your mouth.
3. Remember to Brush and Floss Once You’re Done Eating
After a meal, small particles of food are typically left in your mouth. If you put your aligners in without cleaning your teeth first, these food particles can get trapped in place, which can increase your risk of cavities and lead to an unpleasant odor. Since you’ll likely be attending a lot of holiday events where food is served, you’ll need to be proactive about keeping your smile clean. Make a habit of carrying a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss that you can use whenever you’re done eating.
4. Never Drink Hot Liquids While Wearing Your Aligners
It might seem like it’s safe to take a small sip of hot chocolate while wearing your Invisalign aligners, but it can cause bigger problems than you might think. The heat can damage the plastic that your aligners are made out of, causing them to slightly bend out of shape; this can interfere with your treatment and lead to all kinds of complications. It’s best to remove your aligners when you consume anything besides water.
As long as you keep the above tips in mind, you can fully enjoy the holiday season without interrupting your Invisalign treatment. You’ll be able to look forward to enjoying a straighter, healthier grin in the coming year.
About the Author
Dr. Stefanie Walker earned her dental doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She is a member of several professional organizations including the Colorado Dental Association and the Metro Denver Dental Society. Her Denver practice, Pearl Dentistry, offers Invisalign for patients who want to straighten their teeth without unsightly metal braces. To schedule an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Walker, visit her website or call (720) 440-9296.