Between booking plane tickets, buying gifts, preparing for your entire extended family to visit your house, and trying to get enough sleep to do it all again the next day, the holidays are a hectic time of year. This can make it easy to get off track with your Invisalign plan, which can lead to backtracking or changes to your treatment schedule. To help you make it through the holidays without your Invisalign treatment taking a hit, check out these four tips.
Tip #1: Don’t Forget to Wear Your Invisalign
Invisalign needs to be worn for at least 20-22 hours each day for it to work as intended. No matter how busy the holidays get, it’s important to make sure you put your aligners back on after meals and once you’ve completed your oral hygiene routine. This will help prevent backtracking and keep your treatment moving in the right direction.
Tip #2: Remove Aligners When You Eat or Drink
If you drink hot beverages when wearing your Invisalign, this can warp the plastic out of shape. As a result, the aligner won’t fit correctly and will need to be replaced. Additionally, eating while wearing your aligners can damage or stain them, which may also lead to the need for replacement ones. Make sure to take your Invisalign trays out before meals to avoid these issues.
Tip #3: Keep Your Aligner Case Nearby
Placing your Invisalign on a napkin when preparing to eat or drink something may seem like an okay idea, but it may cause you to accidentally throw them away. Make sure you place your Invisalign trays in a protective case instead. This will make them easy to locate as well as less likely to get thrown out on accident.
Tip #4: Remember to Brush and Floss
Brushing your teeth twice per day for two minutes and flossing at least once per day will help prevent cavities, gum disease, and a host of other issues. It will also prevent food and drinks from transferring to your aligners. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your enamel against decay and make sure there aren’t any unplanned delays in your Invisalign treatment.
With these tips in mind, the holidays won’t stand a chance. Visit your dentist regularly so they can make sure your Invisalign treatment is progressing as intended and you can continue making your way towards a more beautiful smile!
About the Author
D’Andrea and Pantera DMD PC aims to make Hamden patients of all ages feel safe and secure throughout their treatment. They offer cosmetic dental treatments like Invisalign to straighten your teeth and give you a beautiful smile you’ll be proud to show off to the world. They can also offer tips on how to keep your Invisalign treatment on track during the holidays so you’ll continue getting progressively closer to the grin of your dreams. Call (203) 288-0951 or visit their website to set up an appointment or for more information on how to survive the holidays with Invisalign.
