The holidays can be a busy time, and if things are going well, that can mean a lot of fun to be had. At the same time, when you are busier than usual it can also be easier to forget to do something. When your treatment with Invisalign in Barton City is involved, you can’t afford to be forgetful and fall asleep at the wheel. After all, if you can remember to leave cookies and milk out for Santa, you can remember to stay on top of your Invisalign treatment. Check out these tips from your dentist on how you can stay diligent regarding your clear aligners.
Don’t Eat or Drink with Your Aligners in Your Mouth
No worries if you are drinking water, but otherwise for drinking and eating you should take your aligners out. Obviously, you’ll also take them out for brushing, flossing, or cleaning the trays.
At holiday gatherings, you might be bombarded with people offering you snack plates or seasonal beverages. Always remember to remove your aligners before you indulge in any of these foods or drinks. Otherwise, the trays could become discolored or damaged – making them noticeable in addition to compromising your treatment.
Brush and Floss After Every Meal or Snack
Before you put your aligners back in your mouth after eating – or drinking something other than water – be sure to brush and floss to remove tiny particles of food debris from your teeth and gums. If you put your trays back in without cleaning your teeth, the particles get trapped, causing the proliferation of bacteria, followed by odor, staining, and tooth decay. You’re more likely to be on the go during the holidays, so keep a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste ready to roll along with a floss container.
Keep Your Aligner Storage Case Close By
As an Invisalign patient, you may sometimes remove your aligners before eating and set them down on a plate or napkin. Unfortunately, this could lead to the aligners accidentally getting thrown away. You might have to wait several days to receive replacement trays which could lengthen your treatment time.
To prevent your aligners from being misplaced, always carry their storage case with you. That way, you’ll know exactly where they are when you’re not wearing them.
Wear Your Aligners for 20-22 Hours Daily
Enough discussion about taking your aligners out because what really matters is that you wear them 20-22 hours daily to achieve the results you seek. Not wearing them often enough can prevent your teeth from shifting as quickly as they should. Since the aligners are moving your teeth into a new position, a small amount of discomfort just means that they are adjusting and shifting as your dentist planned. If this lasts for more than a couple of days, you may not be wearing your Invisalign often enough.
Invisalign patients are more prone to forget to wear their trays in the rush of the holiday season. Unless you’re eating, drinking, or cleaning your teeth, you should always have your trays in. It may be helpful to set periodic reminders on your phone.
Even though you are busy buying gifts, cooking food, visiting relatives, and offering Santa refreshments, you can still find the time to ensure your Invisalign treatment stays on track. After all, when you avoid setbacks, the sooner you will reach the smile you’ve been seeking!
About the Author
Dr. Steven Rodriguez earned his dental doctorate from the University of Michigan. Today, he still regularly pursues continuing education in order to expand his clinical skillset which includes advanced training in dental implants, root canal treatment, and clear aligners. If you are interested in Invisalign, dental insurance is welcome, financing is available, and we offer a dental savings plan. Learn more about treatment and payment options during a consultation which you can schedule on his website or call (989) 736-7000.