The hustle and bustle of the holiday season are well-known, and hopefully for you, that means fun instead of stress. There are a lot of distractions that could potentially disrupt your Invisalign treatment and oral hygiene regimen, but fortunately, your dentist is ready to help.
Keep reading to get some tips on staying the course with Invisalign in Reno during the holidays.
Be Sure to Wear Your Aligners 20-22 Hours Each Day
Keep your aligners in for 20-22 hours daily so that they will be effective to get the results you seek. Not wearing them often enough can prevent your teeth from shifting as quickly as they should. It can even eventually lead to discomfort. Invisalign patients are more prone to forget to wear their trays in the rush of the holiday season. Set periodic reminders on your phone throughout the day to prevent treatment from slipping your mind.
Have Your Aligner Storage Case Nearby
Invisalign patients will sometimes remove their aligners before eating and set them down on a plate or napkin. Unfortunately, this could lead to your aligners accidentally getting thrown away. You might have to wait several days to receive replacement trays, which could lengthen your treatment time. To prevent your aligners from being misplaced, always carry their storage case with you. That way, you’ll know exactly where they are when you’re not wearing them.
Be Diligent About Brushing and Flossing After Meals and Snacks
Before you put your aligners back in your mouth after eating – or drinking something other than water – be sure to brush and floss to remove tiny particles of food debris from your teeth and gums. If you put your trays back in without cleaning your teeth, these particles get trapped against your teeth to cause the proliferation of bacteria and the ensuing odor, staining, and tooth decay. You’re more likely to be on the go during the holidays, so keep a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste ready to roll along with a floss container.
When Eating or Drinking, Remove Your Aligners First
No worries if you are drinking water, but otherwise for drinking and eating you should take your aligners out. Obviously, you’ll also take them out for brushing, flossing, or cleaning the trays. At holiday gatherings, you might be bombarded with people offering you snack plates or seasonal beverages. Always remember to remove your aligners before you indulge in any of these foods or drinks. Otherwise, the trays could become discolored or damaged – making them noticeable in addition to compromising your treatment.
With each passing day that you make a concerted effort to implement these tips, they soon become second nature to where you are making the right moves without even thinking about it. Follow these suggestions from your dentist in Reno and your teeth could very well be straight enough to make Santa proud by this time in 2022!
About the Practice
At Sage Dental Care, you can count on seeing the same faces you’ve come to trust during each office visit. We don’t double book appointments, so you’ll have one-on-one time to ask any questions you might have about your oral health needs. We are proud to be family-owned and operated in order to prioritize patients over profits. Our office is equipped with the latest in dental technology so we can ensure you receive the best care. If you are interested in Invisalign, we can discuss everything there is to know about it for the holidays and the rest of the year. To schedule a consultation, visit our website and select the office location in Reno that best suits your needs.