Whether you plan to travel or stay home for the holidays this year, staying on track with your Invisalign treatment is the only way you can reach your goal of achieving a straighter set of teeth in the new year. To do this, you don’t have to deprive yourself of all your favorite meals and social gatherings. However, there are four helpful tips you can keep in mind as you spend the holidays with family and friends.
Make Sure You Follow the 20-22-Hour Wear Time
Invisalign requires you to wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day. This is to ensure your teeth continue to move in the right direction with the appropriate amount of pressure. Failing to wear your trays because you’re always snacking or prefer to go without can lead to a delay, prolonging your treatment time and results. There are various apps available for download that can help you adhere to your necessary wear time.
Keep a Protective Case With You
When you’re not wearing your aligners, make sure to keep them in a protective case. It’s too easy to accidentally throw them away or lose them if you place them in a napkin while eating. Using a protective case shields them from possible damage and keeps them from being exposed to harmful airborne particles.
Remove Your Aligners Before Eating
You are never supposed to eat while wearing your Invisalign aligners. It is too easy for them to become damaged because of your bite force. You should plan to remove them beforehand so that they remain safe. Just be sure to rinse your mouth and your trays before reinserting them after mealtime so that no food particles or bacteria are transferred between the two. Also, try to avoid snacking too often, as this requires you to remove your aligners, which can make it harder to meet your wear time each day.
Stay On Top of Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing and flossing your teeth each day is necessary if you want to avoid dental decay, gum disease, etc. You should also be sure to rinse and clean your aligners every morning and night. Although the holidays may entice you to stay up late or sleep in on your days off, don’t neglect your oral hygiene routine if you want your smile to stay healthy and strong throughout treatment.
Give yourself the gift of a straighter, healthier smile. Staying on track with your Invisalign will ensure you enjoy a new and improved set of pearly whites in the coming year.
About the Author
Dr. Payam Ishani’s goal as a trusted orthodontist in Oklahoma City is to build lasting relationships with his patients while also creating lifelong smiles that appear happier, healthier, and more beautiful than before. Offering Invisalign as a clear alternative to traditional braces, he makes it easy for patients to navigate the holidays by providing helpful tips that make wearing these aligners a stress-free experience. If you want a straighter set of teeth without the bulky metal, visit our website or call (405) 805-0997 to learn more.