The most wonderful time of the year has arrived! Whether you’re planning on spending your holiday season caroling with neighbors, baking with friends, exchanging gifts with loved ones, or traveling out-of-town, it’s important not to let your orthodontic treatment fall to the wayside. Since that can be hard with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, keep reading for a few important Invisalign tips!
Tip #1: Remove Your Aligners When Eating and Drinking
From festive peppermint mochas to delicious home-baked treats, the holiday season is filled with mouth-watering, heart-warming goodies. While indulging in them is part of the fun, it’s of the utmost importance that you are diligent about removing your aligners each and every time. Not only will this ensure they aren’t damaged or warped in any way, but it will also prevent them from becoming yellow and discolored.
Tip #2: Continue Wearing Your Aligners for 22 Hours a Day
With more time off and a busier social calendar, it’s easy to forget about the little things during the holiday season, like wearing your clear aligners for 22 hours a day. However, wear time is one of the best ways to ensure you stay on track with your treatment timeline. As a result, commit to only taking them out when it’s time to eat, drink anything other than water, or complete your oral hygiene regimen.
Tip #3: Keep Your Aligner Storage Case Close By
When the time comes to remove your aligners, do NOT place them on the table or wrap them in a napkin. There are a few reasons for this. Most importantly, bad habits like this significantly increase your chances of breaking or misplacing your trays. Instead, remove your aligners, rinse them off, and place them in their designated storage case until it’s time to put them back in.
Tip #4: Brush and Floss Frequently
Remember, your Invisalign aligners can’t protect your teeth from decay and damage – only you can do that. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that you brush and floss after each meal. This will prevent your aligners from accumulating plaque, food particles, and bacteria. In addition to discoloring the trays, the debris can increase your chances of developing cavities, which is another way you can fall off-track with your treatment timeline.
Invisalign comes with a number of perks that are especially beneficial during the holiday season, like discreet trays for pictures and no dietary restrictions. Amid enjoying all the pros of the clear aligners, make sure to do your part to stay on track with your treatment plan. Fortunately, implementing the above tips will help you do just that!
About the Author
Dr. Mo Saleh is a trusted dentist in Brecksville who has spent the last several years helping nearby patients achieve their smile goals. In addition to graduating from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, he has undergone advanced training in multiple facets of dentistry. In fact, he is Invisalign certified and a member of Light Force America (a program dedicated to fixed orthodontics). If you’re interested in getting Invisalign or have a question about maintaining yours during the holiday season, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 440-546-9494.