Invisalign can be an amazing way to straighten out your smile without the clearly visible metal parts and dietary restrictions that come with braces. Since Invisalign patients can eat whatever they want as long as they practice proper oral hygiene, they can look forward to thoroughly enjoying any holiday feasts. However, the hustle and bustle of the holidays can make it difficult for some people to comply with their Invisalign treatment. Here’s how to stay on top of Invisalign during the holidays.
Keep Wearing Your Aligners for at Least Twenty Hours a Day
In order to straighten a smile out properly, Invisalign clear aligners must be worn for at least twenty hours every day. The general rule is to only remove them when eating and practicing hygiene. If the patient does not wear their aligners for a sufficient amount of time each day, their teeth may not shift adequately into their new positions or they may shift out of their current ones, ruining the progress already made during the treatment.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene with Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners must be removed when the patient eats or drinks anything but water. Chewing while wearing your clear aligners can cause them to crack, which can ruin their ability to realign your teeth. Food or drink residues that get caught inside the clear aligners are protected from the mouth’s natural cleaning process, which allows them to serve as breeding grounds for harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
Before putting your clear aligners back in, remember to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly so nothing gets caught inside them. Always take care to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing. Considering all the foods offered during the holidays, you may have to be strategic about when you remove and replace your aligners so you can get the most enjoyment out of the festive fare.
Bring Your Aligners Storage Case with You
Many people will simply leave their aligners on a napkin or paper towel when they remove them for lunch. Unfortunately, this can make it a little too easy to sweep them up and throw them away absentmindedly. This sort of tiny error can result in the delay of a treatment. To prevent this from happening, carry a storage case for your clear aligners in your pocket.
The holidays are nothing to fear if you’re wearing Invisalign. By being aware of how much to wear them and how to take care of them when they’re removed, you can ensure your treatment goes smoothly, which may leave you with a beautifully straight smile for the holidays next year.
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana earned his dental doctorate from New York University and pursues continuing education on a routine basis to stay up to date with the latest developments in the dental field. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Dallas County Dental Association. His office in Mesquite, TX offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to Invisalign treatments. For more information on wearing Invisalign during the holidays, contact his office online or dial (469) 399-7288.