The holidays can get pretty hectic, what with so many people going on vacation or planning all kinds of parties for their friends and family. When you’re schedule is so packed, it’s easy to lose track of the little things – no matter how important they are! If you wear Invisalign, then it’s important to be mindful of your aligners even while dealing with the hustle and bustle of the happiest time of year. Keep these 3 tips in mind while you’re celebrating with the people who matter.
1. Be Extra Careful About Wearing Your Aligners for the Required Amount of Time
Invisalign aligners need to be worn for about 20 to 22 hours every day. Anything less, and the timeline of the teeth straightening process could be thrown off; it could also lead to some very painful consequences down the road. You need to remove your aligners whenever you eat or drink, even if it’s just a light snack. That said, it’s important not to lose track of how much time your aligners spend outside of your mouth while you’re indulging in the treats at a holiday party or a lengthy holiday meal. Be sure to put the aligners right back in your mouth when you’re done!
2. Keep Your Aligner Case with You at All Times
Picture this scenario: you take your aligner out right before the big meal and place it in a napkin. Once you’re done eating, you throw the napkin away without checking, and you don’t realize your mistake until much later. To prevent this sort of accident, make sure you have your aligner case on your person wherever you go so that you know exactly where your aligners are when you’re not wearing them.
3. Make Sure You’re Brushing and Flossing After Every Meal and Snack
You may find yourself eating and drinking more often than usual during the holidays. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional indulgence, of course, but you still need to make sure that your teeth and gums are clean before you put your aligners back in. Any debris that gets trapped against your teeth could easily lead to the growth of bacteria, which in turn can cause bad breath and cavities. Make sure you have dental hygiene supplies – including a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss – with you at all times so that you can give your smile the care it needs before returning your aligners to their proper position.
The holidays are a time to enjoy yourself, but it’s always important to make sure you’re still following your Invisalign regimen at all times. Give yourself the gift of a successful and beneficial treatment from your orthodontist in Canfield!
About the Author
Dr. Marissa Mikolich always enjoys the satisfied feeling of seeing a bright, confident smile after an orthodontic treatment. At her practice, Mikolich Orthodontics, she is proud to offer Invisalign as an alternative to adult and teenage patients who are looking for a metal-free option for straightening teeth. You can schedule a consultation to discuss your best options for treatment through her website or by calling (330) 967-4110.