Are you ready for the upcoming fall and winter holidays? For many of us, it’s a busy time of year full of good friends, delicious meals, and remembering what we’re thankful for. However, don’t forget about your smile if you’re wearing Invisalign! If you’re not careful, your treatment could get off track and end up costing more time and money. Thankfully, wearing Invisalign won’t keep you from enjoying your favorite seasonal foods and activities. Here are four practical tips for keeping your Invisalign treatment on track while you enjoy the holiday season!
1.) Wear Your Aligners for 20-22 Hours Every Day
It may seem obvious, but your aligners only work if you wear them. They need to be worn for at least 20-22 hours every day to gradually shift your teeth into position. Not wearing them often enough can increase both the length and cost of your treatment, so make sure not to let this important habit slide just because it’s the holidays.
2.) Don’t Snack or Drink with Your Aligners in
It may be tempting to eat a little snack or take a few sips of your favorite fall beverage while wearing your aligners, but it can cost you a lot of time and money in the long run. Foods and drinks can easily warp or break your aligners, especially crunchy snacks and hot beverages. Even if you’re very careful, you may bend your aligners slightly out of shape, which can push your teeth into the wrong position!
3.) Keep Your Storage Case with You
Keep your aligner storage case with you so you’re more likely to take them out instead of eating or drinking with them in. The case is the safest place for you to keep your aligners when they’re not in your mouth. If you wrap them in a napkin or leave them out, it’s all too easy to accidentally throw them away or lose them. They could even become a toy for a nearby pet or child! Always take the time to store your aligners in their case for safe keeping.
4.) Prioritize Brushing and Flossing
During your holiday meals, make sure you have easy access to a toothbrush and floss. It’s very important that you clean your teeth off before you put your aligners back in after eating. A quick brush and some flossing will remove the lingering plaque, sugar, and other debris from your teeth before they become trapped in place by your aligners. Not only will regular brushing and flossing lower your risk of tooth decay, but it will help keep your aligners from becoming discolored.
Invisalign is one of the most convenient ways to correct crooked teeth, so you don’t have to worry about being left out of the holiday fun. With a few simple precautions like the ones above, you can enjoy the festivities all season long while straightening your smile!
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics, we’re proud to help the families of Marlborough achieve the straighter, healthier smiles they deserve. We offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign, to correct all sorts of misaligned teeth, jaws, and bites. We’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure your treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible, even during the holidays! For more tips on keeping your Invisalign treatment on track, feel free to reach out to us online or at (508) 281-5188.