When it comes to preparing for the holidays, you may need help to determine how best to stay on track with your Invisalign treatment. Navigating this time of year can be difficult for anyone who is trying to lose weight, establish a proper sleep routine, or even straighten their teeth. This is why it’s important to keep these 3 tips in mind so that you do not derail your Invisalign treatment and delay your ultimate results.
Limit Your Snacking
The holidays might mean that you get to a meal that is otherwise nonexistent throughout the rest of the year, but it also means that snacking is likely to be one of your favorite hobbies for several weeks.
No matter the type of snack it is, too much of it can be harmful to your Invisalign treatment. The reason is that you must wear your aligners 20-22 hours each day to ensure that enough pressure is applied to keep teeth moving in the appropriate direction. However, you cannot eat with your Invisalign trays in. The more you snack, the less time you spend wearing your trays.
Try to limit the times you choose to snack so that you still spend the appropriate amount of time in your trays each day.
Keep Your Daily Routine in Mind
No matter what kind of plans your mom has in store over these next few weeks, make sure you don’t neglect your morning and nighttime oral hygiene habits.
Brushing twice a day (at least) for two minutes, flossing at least once, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash should be the normal steps you take each day. Failing to do so will only increase your risk of dental decay and gum disease – two conditions that will have you seeking timely and costly dental treatment after the new year.
Make Sure to Pack a Protective Case
When preparing to eat, make sure that you have a protective case on hand. Keeping this nearby will ensure that you do not accidentally lose or damage your aligners, as this can cause a major delay in treatment.
A protective case will not only safeguard your trays from accidental damage but also prevent harmful particles that may be floating through the air from landing on your trays. This can be transferred to your mouth unknowingly, which can cause you to become sick. While there are things you must consider while wearing Invisalign around the holidays, you can still enjoy all your favorite foods without the struggle of traditional braces. Just be mindful of how you take care of your smile and continue on your way to healthier, straighter teeth in no time.
About the Author
Dr. Praveena Muddana is a trusted dentist who enjoys caring for patients no matter the type of smile they possess. With a dental degree from Narayana Dental College in India, she completed another dental degree from NYU College of Dentistry. When patients visit her at Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry to inquire about Invisalign, she and her team can deliver optimal results that truly last. When preparing for the holidays, we can provide helpful tips to make staying on track easy this time of year, so just visit our website or call (414) 808-2003.