For many people, the holiday season is a time where their daily routine goes out the window thanks to various parties, trips, and get-togethers with family. Of course, 2020 has already disrupted normal life for most of us! The holidays still present some unique challenges if you’re currently using Invisalign, and it’s easy for many patients to get off track because of all the festivities. Thankfully, Shirck Orthodontics has you covered with our Invisalign Holiday Survival Guide. Here are 4 essential tips to ensure nothing throws off your journey toward a straighter smile.
Always Have Your Invisalign Case
Before most of us leave the house (which is becoming rarer and rarer these days), we always check for three things: wallet, keys, and phone. For people using Invisalign, they should add their tray case to the list. While enjoying your favorite seasonable treats, it’s essential that you store your trays in your case. This will help you avoid having to set your trays on the table or a napkin, which can easily cause them to be damaged or accidentally thrown away.
Take Your Trays Out to Snack
Most Invisalign wearers find it easy to remember to take off their trays whenever they sit down for a meal, but during the holidays, “meals” can stretch out into all-day affairs thanks to snacking. Between the turkey and ham, many indulge in cookies, cheese plates, cold cuts, and beloved leftovers. It may be tempting to leave your trays in when grabbing a few quick bites, but this is an easy way to damage them. You should only drink water with your trays still in, otherwise, remember to take them out and rinse your mouth before putting them back in.
Keep Brushing and Flossing
Routine oral hygiene is especially important during the holidays because of the prevalence of sugary and starchy foods, and this is doubly true for those with Invisalign. Your teeth and trays need to be cleaned every day to prevent cavity-causing plaque and bacteria from building up on them. If you plan on staying somewhere overnight, be sure to bring your brush, floss, mouthwash, and anything else you need to clean your trays with you.
Bring Extra Trays
If you are going to be away from home during the time that you’re supposed to switch to your next set of Invisalign trays, try to think ahead and bring them with you. Your teeth might feel a little sore as they adjust to them, which is why we recommend initially putting them on at night, as this will help you sleep through much of the process. It’s also wise to pack extra trays in case you lose or damage the ones you currently have. While this isn’t ideal, using old trays or jumping ahead to new ones is much better than going without any trays.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to indulge during the holidays with the peace of mind that your Invisalign treatment is bringing you ever closer to a straighter, more attractive smile. The Shirck Orthodontics team hopes you and your loved ones have a fun and safe holiday season this year, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is a board-certified orthodontist and proud father of three boys, so he loves the holidays as much as anyone. As an Elite Invisalign Provider, he’s able to use this treatment to help teens and adults get the smiles they’ve always wanted without metal braces, and he does everything he can to ensure the process is smooth and comfortable. To learn more about taking care of Invisalign during the holidays, give us a call today.