During the holidays, you probably have a lot on your plate—even things that are important to you might fall through the cracks if you aren’t careful. With everything that’s going on, you might have trouble caring for your Invisalign aligners. Here are a few things to keep in mind over the holiday season to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment.
Wear Your Aligners
The most important thing you need to keep in mind when it comes to your Invisalign is to wear them as much as possible. During the holidays it can be tempting to keep your aligners out while you snack throughout the day. You should resist the temptation to graze on leftovers, and instead focus on large meals so you can wear your aligner for the recommended 20-22 hours a day.
Clean Your Aligners
If you put your aligners back on right after you finish eating, you can trap food particles and bacteria on your teeth, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why it’s so important to clean your aligner and your teeth after meals.
It can be hard to find time to do that during the holidays, but getting a travel dental kit can make it a little easier. This convenient pack contains travel-sized toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, dental wax, and anything else you’d need to keep up with your dental hygiene while traveling.
Take Out Your Aligners Before Eating and Drinking
It’s good to prioritize keeping your aligner in as much as possible, but it’s also possible to take that too far. You need to take your trays out before meals, as tough or hard foods can potentially damage your aligner. Moreover, taking a sip of coffee or hot cocoa with your aligners in can cause them to warp.
While this may sound like a lot, caring for your Invisalign trays over the holidays really just consists of keeping up with the routines that you probably have already. As long as you’re diligent in your maintenance, you should be able to stay on track with your Invisalign treatment over the holiday season.
About Our Practice
At Rivera Family Dentistry, we know that it can be hard to get to the dentist when you need it. That’s why we have dedicated ourselves to making dentistry as convenient as possible. Our dentists have a stunning knowledge of their field that allows them to provide a wide variety of services under one roof. We also offer same-day appointments and flexible hours, so you won’t have to take time out of your busy work day to meet with us. If you have any questions about how to take care of your Invisalign during the holiday season, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (720) 640-0272.