The holiday season can easily be one of the busiest times of the year. It is not uncommon to feel as though you are rushing to get all of your affairs in order for the holidays, especially if you have family coming over. As such, it can sometimes be difficult to remember your own personal business, like wearing your Invisalign. No matter whether you have a vacation planned, are working for the holidays or are just taking the plans as they come, you will need to wear the Invisalign aligners in order to get the desired results for your teeth. If you find yourself struggling, follow some of these tips to optimize your dental health habits.
Wear the Aligners Between 20 and 22 Hours Every Day
As described by the American Dental Association, it is important for individuals to wear their Invisalign aligners between 20 and 22 hours every day. It can be easy to forget this requirement when you are dealing with the heavy rush of the holidays. As such, it is vital for you to set up a system that will allow you to remember what you need to do. Try to set aside times during the day where you can wear them so that you keep up your aligners. If you neglect to wear them appropriately, you may interfere with the teeth aligning process.
Carry the Storage Case on You
A common mistake that some people make with their aligners is to put them on a napkin while they are eating. This is not a good practice because you may forget that the aligners are on the napkin, which in turn can lead to them being thrown away with food and other napkins. One of the best ways to amend this issue is to simply carry your aligner storage case with you as often as possible. In this way, you always have a place to put them and significantly reduce your risk of throwing them away during the holidays.
Always Brush and Floss After Your Meals
When you take care of your teeth after every meal you have, you significantly reduce your risk of damage to them during the alignment process. Brushing and flossing will get rid of the tiny food particles that get stuck between, reducing your risk for tooth decay, odor and bacterial growth. This is especially vital for wearing Invisalign aligners because the food particles will also not be kept in such an enclosed space where they may decay and grow worse. It is also a good idea to keep some mouthwash with you to protect your teeth for the long-term of their care.
Remove Your Aligners for Drinks
One of the most important things that you can do for the care of your aligners is to focus on the appropriate times to take them out and put them back in. When you can remove your aligners for drinking especially hot or cold beverages, you stand a better chance of keeping up with the alignment process. It is especially important to keep your aligners out of the way of hot beverages like tea or coffee. The hot liquid could warp the shape of the aligners, which can result in all types of structural damage in the future that could affect the way your teeth line up.
If you are interested in getting your aligners looked at or want to get new aligners, it is always a good idea to speak with the Champions area dental professionals at Forestwood Dental. Consulting with the experts will allow you to get the right treatment options for your specific needs.