Now that your child is a teenager, there is a good chance that they will undergo orthodontic treatment to correct misalignment issues. While it may not be their favorite time, the results are completely worth it. As your child gets started in the new semester, navigating their day with their new Invisalign aligners can be difficult at first. Here are some tips to help them stay on track with their Invisalign treatment.
Pack a Toothbrush
One of the awesome things about Invisalign is that your teen doesn’t have to cut out any of their favorite foods and beverages to have a successful treatment. Invisalign aligners are removable so they can have pretty much anything they want for lunch. However, it’s important that they take the time to thoroughly brush and floss their teeth before putting their aligners back in. Be sure that they are bringing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss so no lingering food particles get stuck in their trays and cause decay.
Keeping Aligners Safe
When your teen needs to take out their aligners for lunch and when playing sports, it’s important that they are kept in a safe place so that they don’t get lost. Losing Invisalign aligners can show off their treatment, ultimately prolonging it. No one wants to wait longer to see their final results. Remind your teen to take their Invisalign case to school so they can safely store it. This way, they are less likely to accidentally misplace their aligners.
Dealing with Discomfort
No orthodontic treatment is completely free from discomfort. While Invisalign shouldn’t be painful, it does cause the teeth to shift around, resulting in some soreness. This is especially the case after your teen puts in a new set of aligners. To reduce this, have your teen change to their new trays before they go to bed. This way, they will be sleeping while their smile is making those first adjustments. Dental wax can be temporarily used if your teen notices any rough edges. Their orthodontist can also help by smoothing down these areas.
Navigating school with Invisalign can be difficult, but by using the tips listed above, they will be showing off their perfectly aligned smile in just a matter of time!
About the Author
Dr. Payam Ishani earned his dental doctorate from the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry. He then completed his specialty training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule an appointment at his office in Oklahoma City, visit his website or call (405) 254-5094.