The holidays can be a busy time and if things are going well that can mean a lot of fun to be had. At the same time, when you are busier than usual it can also be easier to forget to do something or get behind on what you had planned.
When your oral hygiene, or maybe your treatment with Invisalign in Skokie, is involved, you can’t afford to be forgetful and fall asleep at the wheel. After all, if you can remember to leave cookies and milk out for Santa, you can remember to take care of your teeth.
Check out these tips from your cosmetic dentist in Skokie on how you can stay diligent regarding your Invisalign treatment.
Wear Your Aligners for 20-22 Hours Daily
Be sure to keep them 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.
Keep Your Aligner Storage Case Close By
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.
Brush and Floss After Every Meal or Snack
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.
Don’t Eat or Drink with Your Aligners in Your Mouth
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.
Even though you are busy buying gifts, cooking food, visiting relatives, and offering Santa refreshments, you can still find the time to ensure your Invisalign treatment stays on track. After all, when you avoid setbacks the sooner you reach the smile you’ve been seeking!
About the Practice
At Weiss Dental Arts, our team believes that our patients should receive effective, quality care in comfort. That’s why we have patient amenities available at your request! We can provide a comfortable pillow and warm blanket while you wait, and if you’d like to listen to music, our staff can lend you headphones. If you are interested in Invisalign, it can put you on the fast track to straight teeth with no metal materials needed while you eat the foods you want without worry. It can address crowded teeth, the spaces between teeth, or bite alignment issues. To schedule an initial consultation, visit our website or call (847) 864-0188.