4 Tips for Getting Through the Holidays with Invisalign

The holidays are all about enjoying delicious homecooked meals, socializing with friends and family, and relaxing. Due to the time off of work and school, it’s also one of the most popular moments of the year for people to start undergoing Invisalign treatment. Whether you’re planning on being out of town during the holidays, have parties that you’re looking forward to, or are just planning to feast at home with your loved ones, it’s crucial to do what you can to stay on-track with your treatment timeline. Read on for four tips to help get you through the holidays during your treatment.

Wear Your Trays for at Least 20 Hours a Day

One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign is that the trays are removable. However, the treatment won’t be effective unless the trays are worn for at least 20 to 22 hours every day. If you don’t wear them enough, it could lead to delayed results, pushing back your timeline for a straighter smile greatly. If you accidentally forget to put your trays back in after eating or drinking, setting periodic alarms on your cellphone can serve as a helpful reminder.

Always Store Your Trays in a Protective Case

There will be several times throughout the day that your trays are out of your mouth. During each of these, you’ll need to make sure they remain protected from bacteria and safely stored so they don’t accidentally get thrown away.

Remove Your Trays Every Time You Eat and Drink

Whether you’re about to take a sip of mulled wine by the fire or indulge in some delicious smoked ham and mashed potatoes, you’ll need to take out your aligners before each time you eat or drink anything besides water. Chewing food with your aligners in could damage or discolor them, putting a stop to your treatment until you’ve had a chance to meet with your Invisalign dentist in Hampton.

Brush and Floss After Each Meal & Snack

Just like with traditional braces, maintaining good dental hygiene is a crucial part of getting the results you want. To prevent the buildup of food debris and plaque underneath your trays, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth while they’re out of your mouth after you’ve eaten a snack or meal. This will help prevent cavities, gum disease, or other dental concerns from developing and setting back your treatment timeline.

About the Practice

At Serenity Orthodontics, our team is comprised of three highly trained, knowledgeable orthodontists with collective decades of experience, including Drs. Podray, Lewis, and Grochowska. Together, they offer a wide range of orthodontic solutions to address bite problems, misalignment, gaps, and crowding, including Invisalign clear aligners, ceramic braces, and more. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Serenity Orthodontics’ website or call 470-589-4475.