For most of the year, major holidays are spaced out pretty evenly. Once everyone’s done Trick-or-Treating, though, suddenly the extra-special days come in like a tidal wave! They’re some of the busiest ones too, which can make it difficult to even think about your Invisalign aligners. How are you supposed to survive the holiday madness with an orthodontic treatment plan on your plate?
Take a deep breath first, then read up on these tips!
Remember to Brush and Floss
It can be tempting to skip your oral hygiene routine when you’re tired or stressed, but keep in mind that whatever ickiness is on your teeth will get stuck to your aligners. Bacteria could stain their otherwise clear appearance, and trapped food particles will increase your risk of tooth decay. For the sake of your oral health and the longevity of your Invisalign, brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once per day.
Keep Your Case Nearby
You’ll no doubt be bustling about and enjoying all kinds of seasonal treats, so it’s a good idea to keep your Invisalign case close. That way, when you remove them to chow on some pumpkin pie or gingerbread cookies, you won’t lose them or find out later that a relative accidentally squished them in the mad dash for food!
As an additional note, keep your wear times in mind as you move from snack to snack. Forgetting to wear Invisalign for a full 22 hours per day could prolong your treatment. Ultimately, you should relax and enjoy the holidays – just think about how closely you want to stick to those times.
Continue Cleaning Your Trays
Equally important to keeping your teeth clean is keeping your aligners clean, otherwise you’ll still have plenty of oral bacteria to deal with. Soaking them in Invisalign cleaning crystals while you’re at the dinner table can help streamline the process, and a quick rinse will do if you’re in a pinch after eating. Just plan to save some time for yourself later in the evening so you can decompress and thoroughly brush your aligners.
Don’t Forget to Celebrate!
Have you noticed something? Once you boil it down, Invisalign care during this time of year is no different than any other day. It can be easy to get swept up in stress when time seems to be moving too quickly, but that’s when your regular routines can actually be a big help. Continuing with everyday habits can be grounding and calming.
If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a moment to remember what you’re celebrating: quality time with your loved ones, and progress towards a straighter smile!
About the Practice
Drs. Shawn and Jonathan Zahner have been working alongside each other for several years, and are proud to continue their father’s legacy of outstanding patient care and quality dental treatment. If you need help with your Invisalign aligners over the holidays, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Shawn or Dr. Jonathan! To contact their office, dial 860-870-9031.