One of the best things about the holiday season is that it allows for a break from your normal routine. While this is great when it comes to taking time off work and getting to see friends and loved ones more, it can spell trouble for those currently using Invisalign. It’s easy to slip and not do everything you need to keep your treatment on track this time of year, but by keeping these simple tips in mind, you can stay on the path toward your ideal smile while still enjoying yourself.
Make a List & Check It Twice
Have a trip planned? One common mistake people make is also one of the simplest—they forget to pack their Invisalign trays! If you’re planning on being away from home when you’re supposed to switch to a new set, make sure you remember to bring them (along with your Invisalign case and everything you need to clean them).
Of course, telling someone to “not forget” isn’t very helpful. A better suggestion is to make a list of all the things you need to pack, from socks to power cords to your Invisalign stuff and more. Taking a moment to check things off will save you a lot of headaches and lost time in the future.
Floss, Rinse, Floss, Rinse
One of the biggest aspects of the holiday season, no matter how you celebrate it, is an abundance of wonderful food. After the big meal, everyone ends up grazing on leftovers, snacks, and desserts. You can certainly do this with Invisalign (just make sure you take out your trays!), but what’s most important is that you rinse, floss, and maybe even brush your teeth afterward.
Leaving food particles (especially ones that come from sugary foods) on your teeth can result in them becoming trapped beneath your trays, creating the perfect environment for harmful oral bacteria to thrive. But, after you’ve had the random dinner roll or slice of pie, hopping into the bathroom to rinse out your mouth and floss will keep your smile safe once your trays go back in.
Drink Responsibly
Whether it’s warm cider, hot cocoa, or delicious eggnog, there’s no shortage of holiday beverages to enjoy. While it might be tempting to keep your trays in while sipping on whatever your favorite is, this can spell trouble in a number of ways. Firstly, this can quickly stain your trays, giving them a yellow hue that will negatively affect your smile. Also, expanding on the point from above, this can allow sugar to get into the trays and be pressed up against your teeth, drastically increasing your risk for cavities and gum disease. Unless you’re drinking unflavored water, your trays should always come out.
Yes, the holidays are a little more complicated with Invisalign, but by following this advice and consistently brushing/flossing your teeth like normal, you should be able to experience the season as much as you want and have the peace of mind that your treatment is staying on track, meaning your new smile will be here before you know it.
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished and skilled cosmetic dentists in the country by fellow dental professionals, and he has dedicated his career to serving the Massapequa Park community for the last 30+ years. An in-demand trainer, speaker, and educator, his favorite thing to do is help his patients achieve the smiles of their dreams, and he has allowed countless people to do just that using Invisalign. To learn more about how this treatment works and schedule a consultation to get started, you can reach out to Dr. Mohr by clicking here or calling (516) 541-7344.