For years, braces were the only treatment available to straighten crooked teeth and crooker bite issues. That all changed when Invisalign was used in 1997. Since then, it has helped millions of people achieve more uniform smiles. As beneficial as Invisalign is, patients often struggle to stay on track with treatment during the holiday season. Keep reading to learn about four tips that should help you stick to your Invisalign plan during the holidays.
Tip #1: Wear Your Invisalign
This tip may seem obvious, but it means more than just putting your aligners on. To be as effective as possible, Invisalign trays need to be worn for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours each day. Not wearing it as much as intended may cause treatment delays or the need to backtrack. It’s best to only remove your aligners during meals so you can reach your daily wear time.
Tip #2: Take Your Aligners Off When You Eat
When consuming anything other than plain water, make sure to take off your Invisalign trays. Leaving them on while eating or drinking may lead to staining. If you consume hot foods, this may also warp and damage the aligners. Mealtimes also give you a chance to let your aligners soak in a solution for retainers or Invisalign to get rid of bacteria that has built up throughout the day.
Tip #3: Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Though practicing good oral hygiene is one of the most important parts of keeping your smile healthy, it is arguably even more crucial when you are undergoing Invisalign treatment. This is because Invisalign requires you to floss in the morning and at night as well as after each meal. Neglecting to do so may leave food particles on your teeth that can get stuck behind your aligner trays and raise your risk of cavities. Not cleaning your teeth after each meal may also result in aligner staining.
Tip #4: Keep an Invisalign Case on Hand
When it’s time to eat, many patients remove their aligners and place them on a napkin or tissue. Though this may seem harmless, it may end up causing treatment delays. This is because aligners can accidentally be thrown away or may be misplaced. Instead, store your trays in an Invisalign carrying case. This will ensure that they’re safe during meals.
Though wearing Invisalign during the holidays can take some getting used to, the above tips should help. This way, you can stay on track with your treatment and continue on your journey towards a healthy, bright, and beautiful smile!
About the Practice
Shinkawa Dental is led by Dr. Gerald T. Shinkawa, his daughter Dr. Nicole Shinkawa, and his son Dr. Adam Shinkawa. This family-owned practice prides itself on offering patients of all ages a wide range of dental treatments to protect, repair, and beautify their beams. Along with their skilled team, they treat patients in Fresno and the surrounding communities with procedures like Invisalign to correct bite problems and gapped grins for a healthier, more uniform result. If you are ready to set up an appointment with Shinkawa Dental or want more information on their services, call (559) 226-5656 or visit their website.