Similarly to how Santa Claus can invisibly deliver presents to children all over the world within one twelve-hour period, Invisalign clear aligners can discretely realign your smile without the conspicuous metal parts and dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. However, they do require some effort from the patient to work, and traveling or celebrating during the holiday season can make it hard to comply with the treatment. Here’s a brief guide to help you stay on top of your Invisalign treatment during the holiday season.
Your Aligners Must Be Worn for at Least Twenty Hours Every Day
Invisalign works by providing a patient with a sequence of clear aligners to be worn over their teeth. Each set of aligners is to be worn for two weeks before the patient moves on to the next. Each set will push the teeth into slightly better alignment. However, they must be worn for twenty to twenty-two hours every day to work properly while being removed when the patient eats, drinks anything but water, or practices oral hygiene.
During holiday parties, it can be a little too easy to take your aligners out and leave them out while you indulge in snacks as you mingle for a few hours. It’s important to remain mindful of how long you need to wear your aligners while celebrating.
Brush and Floss After Eating
If you put your aligners in while food particles are stuck to your teeth, it can serve as a shield protecting this food debris and the bacteria feeding on them from your mouth’s natural cleaning process. If these food particles are allowed to fester, they can lead to odor and tooth decay. That’s why it’s important to brush and floss thoroughly after eating, but it’s also crucial that you wait at least thirty minutes afterward. It’s a great idea to carry a hygiene kit that contains toothpaste, a toothbrush, and dental floss with you as you travel or during your day-to-day activities.
Carry a Storage Case for Your Aligners with You
Many people will remove their aligners to eat lunch and leave them on a napkin or paper towel next to their eating space. Unfortunately, this can make it too easy to accidentally throw them away while you are cleaning up afterward. Carrying a storage case for your aligners will give them a secure location for when you have to remove them.
While it’s important to celebrate during the holiday season, it’s also important to be mindful of your Invisalign treatment to keep it on track. By being mindful of these tips, you can ensure that your treatment goes as planned so you can soon enjoy a beautifully realigned smile.
About the Author
Dr. Yelena Obholz earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the New York University College of Dentistry before completing a residency at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. She is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the District of Columbia Dental Society. Her office in North Bethesda, MD offers general, pediatric, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign. For more information on staying on top of your Invisalign treatment, contact her office online or dial (301) 658-7647.