A Guide to Wearing Invisalign During the Holiday Season

It’s officially that magical time of the year everyone looks forward to – the holiday season! Many people are excited to go out of town, reconnect with loved ones, and enjoy all the festivities that are to come. Unfortunately, all the fun and excitement can make it easy to forget about things like following your Invisalign treatment plan. If you need help staying on track this season, we’ve got you covered. Read on as a cosmetic dentist in Denton shares tips to help you stick to your treatment plan while traveling.

Meet the Daily Recommended Wear-Time

For successful treatment, you must commit to wearing your Invisalign aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. They work by applying constant pressure to your teeth, gradually shifting them into more ideal positions. If you fail to meet the recommended wear-time, you risk extending your treatment timeline and increasing your chances of discomfort throughout the process. Since the busyness of the holiday season can make you forget to wear them, try setting alarms as a reminder.

Always Carry Your Designated Storage Case

When the clear aligners are not in your mouth, they should be safely stored away in their designated case. If you place them on a napkin or countertop while eating, you may accidentally misplace them or throw them away. That simple mistake could easily delay your treatment plan, which is why it’s critical to carry your Invisalign storage case with you at all times.

Clean Your Teeth After Eating

Even if it’s just a snack, you must brush and floss your teeth after eating to eliminate the small food particles from your teeth. Otherwise, these harmful substances can lead to plaque or bacteria buildup and increase your risk of decay, cavities, and bad breath. So, while preparing your travel bag, make sure you pack an on-the-go kit that contains a travel-sized toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and dental floss. Antibacterial mouthwash is also handy so you can rinse your mouth thoroughly before slipping the aligners back in your mouth.

Don’t Forget to Remove Your Aligners

Are you tempted to take a few sips of hot cocoa while wearing your Invisalign aligners? It might seem harmless, but it’s actually much more damaging than you think. When hot liquid touches the plastic trays, it can warp the structure and interfere with treatment. If your aligners are bent out of shape, it can cause discomfort when you advance to the next set because your teeth are not prepared for that step. To avoid those complications, be sure to always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything that’s not water.

Don’t let the holiday season get in the way of achieving the straight smile you’ve always wanted. By following the tips outlined above, you can celebrate with your loved ones while staying on track with your treatment plan!

About the Practice

At Aguilar Family Dentistry, we offer comprehensive, exceptional, individually tailored dental services guaranteed to meet all your oral health needs. If you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, our team will be there every step of the way on your journey towards achieving the smile of your dreams. For more holiday tips, visit our website or call (940) 566-5332.