Between shopping, parties, and traveling, the holidays can be a very busy time of year, and it can be all too easy to deviate from your normal schedule. But no matter how hectic the season gets, if you’re currently wearing Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you need to take whatever steps are necessary to keep your treatment on track. Below are 5 tips to help you make sure that you follow your Invisalign treatment plan amid the holiday celebrations.
1. Be Diligent About Wearing Your Aligners as Much as You Need To
While you can take your aligners out at any time, they need to stay in your mouth for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Failing to wear your aligners for the required amount of time could disrupt your treatment. If you think you might forget to wear your aligners due to the hustle and bustle of the holidays, try setting a reminder on your phone.
2. Keep Your Aligner’s Storage Case with You at All Times
You don’t want to leave your aligner sitting on your napkin only to throw it away without thinking afterward. Make sure that you don’t go anywhere without your Invisalign storage case; that way, you’ll always have a safe place to keep your aligner during meals.
3. Always Brush and Floss After Eating
With all the extra eating that you’re likely to do during the holiday season, it’s important to ensure that your smile is always clean before you put your aligners back in. Any food particles left behind could get trapped between your aligners and your teeth, which encourages the growth of bacteria and raises your risk of tooth decay. As such, plan on brushing and flossing after every meal and snack.
4. Do Not Drink Anything Except Water When Wearing Invisalign
You might think that it’s okay to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while keeping your aligners in your mouth, but this is unfortunately not the case. Hot liquids can warp the plastic making up the aligner, causing it to no longer fit properly and interfering with its ability to make the proper changes to your smile. To be safe, you shouldn’t drink anything besides water while your aligners are in your mouth; always take them out first.
5. Call Your Dentist as Soon as You Notice a Problem
Making extra dental appointments may be one of the last things you want to do during the holiday season, but if you notice any issues with your Invisalign treatment – such as a cracked aligner – it’s better to have them taken care of right away. Keep your dentist’s number on your phone so that you can call them immediately if there’s a problem.
As long as you’re mindful about taking care of your aligners, you can easily enjoy the holidays to the fullest while wearing Invisalign. Remember, you can always reach out to your dentist to see if they have additional tips for making sure your treatment goes smoothly.
About the Practice
At Wolfe Dental, Dr. Ben Wolfe, Dr. Brian Bardeloza, and Dr. Curtis Wahlen all combine their years of experience and training to help patients in Hillsboro transform their smiles. They’re proud to offer Invisalign as a comfortable, convenient alternative to traditional metal braces. To schedule an Invisalign consultation with one of our dental experts, reach out to us online or call (503) 844-6550.