Invisalign treatment is a great way to straighten your misaligned teeth and avoid bothersome stares from those around you. The flexibility they offer is just one of the many benefits you can enjoy while working toward a healthier, more perfectly aligned smile. However, it can also be a downfall that results in a delay in treatment if you’re not careful. Whether you’re planning to travel this holiday season or stay at home, keep these 4 tips in mind to ensure your smile keeps moving in the right direction.
Stay On Top of Your Oral Hygiene
If you want to avoid cavities, dental decay, and stains, make sure you’re staying on top of your morning and nighttime oral hygiene routine. This means you’ll need to brush your teeth for two minutes, floss, and rinse accordingly.
Since you’re wearing Invisalign, you should consider brushing your teeth after every meal so that food particles and bacteria do not transfer onto your aligners. You could be left with discolored trays that appear more visible to those around you.
Keep Track of Your Aligners
While at Mom and Dad’s this year, don’t get lazy about where you leave your aligners. You might assume they’ll be okay if you lay them on the bedside table while going downstairs to eat breakfast; however, a four-legged friend could snatch them up or a nosy sibling could hide them as a prank.
Being aware of where your aligners are will ensure you avoid any potential delays in treatment. This is why it’s best to have a protective case that you keep with you at all times. Instead of leaving them on a table or by the sink, you can have greater peace of mind knowing they’re in a safe place.
Wear Your Trays for 20-22 Hours
It may be tempting to snack on all the delicious goodies your mom makes during the holidays, but this type of eating can put you at risk of a delay in treatment.
For teeth to move correctly and timely, you need to wear your trays for 20-22 hours a day. This ensures they receive the necessary and continuous pressure that’s required for successful results. While removing them during mealtime is fine, avoid taking them out too often if you want to achieve a straighter smile on time.
Give Your Aligners a Proper Cleaning
When you wake up, after every meal, and before going to bed, give your aligners the cleaning they deserve.
Bacteria and saliva accumulate on your trays throughout the day, so to keep them from negatively impacting your oral health and the discreetness of your aligners, make sure you are using lukewarm water, clear soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush to eliminate harmful germs. You can also soak them while eating dinner, so they receive an even deeper clean.
Choosing to straighten your smile with Invisalign is a decision you won’t regret. As you navigate the holidays, stay committed to your plan so that you can be one step closer to achieving your desired results in the new year.
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Concepts, our team of dentists is here to make straightening teeth a breeze. Offering Invisalign clear aligners, we work closely with patients to develop a treatment plan that produces beautiful results in less time. We also make sure each individual understands the level of commitment that’s required, so if you need help to keep your treatment on track during the holidays, contact us at (219) 763-6878.