Will you be wearing Invisalign aligners this holiday season? If so, you need to be careful; between shopping, attending parties, and traveling, many people are so busy around this time of year that they aren’t as careful about sticking to their Invisalign treatment as they should be. To make sure that the holiday festivities don’t disrupt the Invisalign process, keep these 4 tips in mind.
1. Be Conscious About How Long You’re Wearing Invisalign
Your aligners will need to stay in your mouth for at least 20 to 22 hours every day. If they’re worn less than that, your teeth won’t move the way they need to and may even start to relapse to their original positions. Make sure that you don’t forget to wear your aligners during the excitement of the holidays by setting reminders on your phone.
2. Put Your Aligners in Their Storage Case During Meals
Some Invisalign patients put their aligners in a napkin while eating. Unfortunately, this can lead to problems if the aligners are accidentally thrown away along with the napkin. To avoid this kind of mistake, you should always carry a storage case for your aligners. That way, you’ll have a safe place to put them during your meal, and you’ll know exactly where they are when it’s time to put them back in.
3. Keep Your Teeth Clean Throughout the Day
It’s highly recommended that you brush and floss after every meal and snack before you put your aligners back in your mouth. Otherwise, any remaining food debris might get trapped against your teeth, leading to tooth decay. If you’re attending a holiday party or any other event where food is served, make sure that you have a toothbrush and dental floss on hand so that you can clean your smile once you’re done eating.
4. Do Not Eat or Drink While Wearing Invisalign
The only thing you should consume while wearing Invisalign aligners is water. Drinking other beverages might seem fine, but it can lead to all kinds of problems. For example, red wine can leave unsightly stains on the Invisalign plastic. Meanwhile, hot beverages could potentially damage your aligners to the point that they need to be replaced. In short, you always need to take your aligners out when it’s time to eat or drink.
To ensure that your Invisalign treatment isn’t thrown off the rails by your hectic holiday schedule, you simply need to be diligent about wearing and protecting your aligners. You can also talk to your dentist to see if they have any additional advice. Remember, once you’re done wearing Invisalign, you’ll have a beautiful new smile to show off around this time next year!
About the Author
Dr. Dunson earned his doctorate in dental surgery at Baylor College of Dentistry. He opened his private practice in Denton in 1999, and to this day he continues to help his patients smile with a wide range of dental services. He often recommends Invisalign for individuals who want to straighten their teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dunson at Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, visit his website or call (940) 566-4942.