Whether you’re traveling out of town or you’re hosting family gatherings, the holiday season is probably the busiest time of the year. In the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be all too easy to let certain things fall by the wayside. But if you’re going through the process of straightening your teeth with Invisalign, the last thing you want to do is get off track with your treatment plan. Keep these four tips in mind this holiday season to ensure your Invisalign treatment continues smoothly!
1. Remember to Wear Your Aligners for 20 to 22 Hours a Day
In order for Invisalign to work as planned, you need to wear the aligners for at least 20 – but ideally 22 – hours each day. Otherwise, your teeth will move more slowly than your dentist intended, which can lead to discomfort later on. Not to mention, your treatment will end up taking longer. Unfortunately, the holiday rush might cause you to forget to wear your aligners as recommended. It may help to set a reminder on your phone a few times a day to make sure you’re wearing them.
2. Always Remove Your Trays Before Eating or Drinking
Taking a sip of hot cocoa without taking your aligners out of your mouth might not seem like a big deal. However, it could be disastrous. The instant that a hot liquid touches your trays, the plastic can start to warp. Each aligner is specifically designed to move your teeth in a certain way, so if the shape changes, your teeth might move in the wrong direction. To prevent your treatment from being disrupted, always take out your trays before you eat or drink.
3. Keep the Aligners’ Storage Case with You
One common mistake that people make during Invisalign treatment is setting their aligners down on a napkin while they eat a meal. If you’re not careful, you could accidentally throw out your trays when you’re finished! As a result, you would have a setback in your treatment. You can prevent this from occurring by keeping the trays’ designated storage case on your person at all times and using it whenever you need to remove your aligners.
4. Clean Your Teeth After Every Meal and Snack
After you’ve finished eating or drinking, but before you place the aligners back in your mouth, you should brush and floss whenever possible. Doing so removes food debris that would otherwise get trapped against your teeth, which increases the risk of tooth decay (and bad breath!). Even during holiday get-togethers, try to carry a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss with you to ensure your pearly whites are clean.
Just because you’re straightening your teeth with Invisalign doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself this holiday season. By keeping the above tips in mind, you’ll have a healthier and more confident smile before you know it!
About the Practice
At Dental Center of Lakewood, Dr. Spillman and Dr. Green are dedicated to providing one-on-one, personalized care for patients of all ages. With their combined skillsets, they’re able to offer a wide variety of dental services in one office, including Invisalign. In fact, they’re currently offering special for a FREE Invisalign consultation for patients who are interested in this revolutionary orthodontic solution. To learn more about the Invisalign process, or how to stay on track with your treatment during the holiday season, contact Dental Center of Lakewood at (214) 823-5253.