The holiday season is officially in full swing! Many people are looking forward to all the gift-giving, quality time spent with loved ones, and countless opportunities to eat delicious food. Since there’s so much going on during this time of the year, it can be easy to forget the little things, like following your Invisalign treatment plan. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Read on for some tips to help you stay on track this season.
Wear Your Aligners for 20 to 22 Hours Each Day
Invisalign is a unique orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear aligners to shift teeth into more ideal positions. Since they work by applying constant pressure to your teeth, you must wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours each day for successful treatment. Unfortunately, it can be easy to forget to do so amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. To avoid that, consider setting an alarm or reminder on your phone. Otherwise, failing to meet the recommended wear-time can hinder your treatment and cause discomfort further along in the process.
Always Carry Your Storage Case
While eating, some people set their Invisalign aligners on a napkin or countertop thinking it’s no big deal. However, this seemingly harmless habit can cause you to misplace or toss out your plastic trays by accident – and that simple error can cause a significant delay in your treatment plan. That’s why you should always carry your storage case with you! Every time you remove your aligners, you should place them in their designated case to keep them safe.
Brush and Floss After Eating
Practicing good oral hygiene is incredibly important to keep your smile healthy, especially if you’re wearing Invisalign. Since you’ll likely be eating a lot of tasty food this holiday season, it’s a good idea to prepare an oral care travel kit. Make sure it includes essentials like a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, and antiseptic mouthwash. That way, you can easily brush, floss, and clean your teeth after eating and before slipping the aligners back into your mouth.
Don’t Forget to Remove Your Aligners
You might be tempted to sip on hot chocolate while wearing your Invisalign aligners, but you should avoid doing so at all costs. It’s much more damaging than you think. The hot liquid can warp the structure of your trays and interfere with your treatment plan. If your aligners are bent out of shape, it can cause your teeth to move in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, that can cause discomfort when you advance to the next stage because your pearly whites are not prepared for that step. Therefore, you should always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything that’s not water!
Don’t forget to take care of your smile this holiday season. By following the tips outlined above, you can stay on top of your Invisalign treatment while enjoying the holidays with your loved ones!
About the Practice
At Richardson Dental, we offer exceptional and personalized orthodontic care to patients of all ages. Our team takes pride in the quality of our work and service. We’re always willing to go the extra mile to put your needs and goals first. For more Invisalign tips, visit our website or call (972) 238-7101.