Whether you have a white Christmas or not, the festive lights, tasty treats, and family fun truly make this time of year feel magical! No doubt you’re looking forward to some festive activities, but maybe there’s a little voice in the back of your head wondering how you’ll have “happy holidays” while wearing Invisalign.
There’s good news – you can have your holiday cake and eat it, too! Keep reading to learn how.
Remember Why You Chose Invisalign
Invisalign has several distinct advantages over metal braces. Many of those benefits are probably why you chose this treatment in the first place – they’re removable, comfortable, and low-profile. While it is best to wear Invisalign for 20 – 22 hours per day, you’ll still be able to eat hard and sticky treats, enjoy a sore-free smile, and go all-out in family photos.
Your holidays might look a little different during your treatment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!
Keep Your Aligners Clean
Rinsing your aligners after every meal is a good way to avoid trapping food particles in your smile, but you should still take the time to slow down for a few minutes and give them a thorough cleaning. Otherwise, bacteria build up could stain them just as easily as food particles, as well as jeopardize your oral health.
You can brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and soap, or soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals for a more streamlined process.
Continue to Care for Your Teeth
Since your teeth still come into contact with food and other elements during Invisalign treatment, it’s important to care for them as well. If your pearly whites become yellow, so will your trays, and bacteria won’t stop accumulating just because it’s Christmas!
The general recommendation is to brush twice daily and floss at least once per day. If you’ll be traveling for the holidays, you may also want to pack a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste. Oh – and don’t forget to pack your Invisalign case!
Hold On to Your Invisalign Case
Your case will be the MVP this time of year. When things get hectic and you’re eager to engage in the festivities, it’s easy to lose track of your aligners. Make sure you have easy access to your case, so you can quickly store your aligners whenever you take them out. That way, if you accidentally leave them on the table, they’ll be protected from excited children, curious pets, and countertop bacteria!
If you’re worried about getting through the holidays with Invisalign aligners, take a deep breath. Your care routine won’t be too different from usual – you may simply have to set cleaning reminders and pack carefully. Rest assured, you’ll be able to enjoy this time of year, all while straightening your smile!
About the Practice
At RP Dental & Implants, we have three excellent dentists who would love to get to know you and your smile. Dr. Rishit Patel is our resident Invisalign expert – with his advanced training at the helm, you can be confident in your orthodontic treatment plan. And if you need some extra help or advice with your aligners this holiday season, don’t hesitate to call or visit for assistance. To contact our office, dial 352-750-0008.