Invisalign® & Holidays: 4 Things to Remember
Cooler weather signifies the start of a new season but it also means that pretty soon, we’ll be in the holiday home stretch with one right after another. It’s easy enough to make your way through this time without orthodontic treatment but what about if you’re currently ? Our Ann Arbor Invisalign® dentists have some tips.
Here are 4 bits of advice to keep in mind as your Invisalign treatment overlaps with an assortment of holiday festivities.
Keep Fun & Relaxation at the Forefront
Just because you have Invisalign clear aligners does not mean every second of the lengthy holiday season has to revolve around them. Of course, our dentists would prefer you keep the aligners clean and safe throughout the day, but it’s also important to recharge.
With Invisalign, the nice thing is that there’s a lot more you can enjoy during a holiday party compared to standard metal braces. For instance, certain snacks that are crunchy or chewy are fair game since there are no brackets or wires to mind. Eating seasonal foods is much easier when you have removable aligners.
So, go ahead and let loose a little. It’s still very much possible to wear your aligners properly while having fun with friends and family. If you do have any Invisalign related questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Ann Arbor dental office.
Throughout Every Fall & Winter Holiday, Remember To:
1) Stay Committed to Brushing and Flossing
While the holidays are fun and there are sweets everywhere, it’s not an excuse to neglect your oral hygiene. Preventing plaque from building up on your teeth and around your gums is important normally but doubly so when you are wearing clear aligners.
The bottom line is: it’s not great to put aligners back on over dirty teeth. Bacteria can accumulate on the aligners which over time will stain them and ruin their clear appearance. The habit of not can also increase your risk of tooth decay thanks to trapped food particles.
Our dentists recommend first taking your aligners out to eat and when you drink beverages other than water. When you’re ready to put them back in, brush and floss your teeth before also cleaning the aligners. Not always able to brush your teeth? Rinse your mouth out with water and also run the aligners under the tap as well.
2) Always Have Your Case Close By
If you’re planning on trying a little bit of everything in terms of food and drinks, be sure you have the protective case our dentists gave you for your Invisalign. You’ll want to place the clear aligners inside this case each time you take them out as it will help keep them safe.
By using your case, you’re also preventing any potential damage from happening to your trays. Invisalign aligners are made of durable plastic but they’re also thin which means they can crack or snap in two if you’re not careful. Do yourself a favor and put them in the case to avoid accidentally throwing them away in a napkin.
3) Properly Clean Your Invisalign Trays
Amidst the food, games, music, and more, remember to clean your aligners thoroughly. Just rinsing them will only do so much. Bacteria needs to be removed with a soft-bristled toothbrush, lukewarm water, and a small amount of clear antibacterial soap.
Never run your aligners under hot water or use whitening toothpaste. Both of these can warp, crack, and alter your aligners in a way that will make them less effective. If you prefer, Invisalign also sells specialized cleaning products like the “Steraligner” and cleaning crystals. These aren’t necessary for a perfect clean but you can use them to streamline the experience.
4) Not Lose Sight of Your Progress
Your smile will only change if your Invisalign aligners are worn properly. Each set in your personalized series should be in place for 22 hours a day with the time left over being used for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Not wearing your aligners enough will result in delayed progress and unwanted corrections. You are encouraged to enjoy the holiday fun, but keep in mind that you’re also working towards one goal: a straighter smile.
Need More Invisalign Guidance?
Our Invisalign dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, are always here to help out if you’re curious about an aspect of your treatment. We’d be happy to assist you so you can fully enjoy any holiday! Call Excel Dental today at (734) 929-9999 to request an appointment.