Seasonal Suggestions: 5 Tips for Navigating the Holidays with Invisalign

The holiday season isn’t just the most wonderful time of the year; it’s also the busiest time of year! Between shopping for loved ones, getting everything finished up at work, and preparing to host or travel, it’s easy for the little things to fall through the cracks. To prevent your clear aligner treatment from being one of them, read on to learn a few helpful tips for navigating the holidays with Invisalign.

1. Make Water Your Drink of Choice

During this time of year, the shelves are stocked with eggnog, peppermint mocha coffee, and other seasonal treats. While it’s certainly okay to indulge now and again, it’s best to make water your drink of choice during the holiday season. Not only is it sugar-free, but it will help keep you hydrated, reduce the risk of dry mouth, and doesn’t require you to remove your aligners.

2. Don’t Wrap Your Aligners in a Napkin

Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat at the airport before your flight, you’re getting a snack at the mall during your holiday shopping, or you’re enjoying leftovers at home, you might be tempted to wrap your aligners in a napkin. Don’t! This is one of the most common ways they get lost or damaged, which can lead to unwanted treatment plan delays. Instead, put them in their designated case.

3. Keep Travel-Sized Dental Care Essentials with You

Remember, you need to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Otherwise, food particles and other debris will get trapped against your teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay. To make completing your oral hygiene regimen easy on the go, we recommend keeping a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash with you.

4. Put Your Trays Back on Immediately After Your Meals

Whether you’re grabbing something to eat at the airport or you’re enjoying a festive feast with family, it’s important that you put your trays on immediately after you’re done. After all, you only have a few hours of aligner-free time each day! If you have trouble remembering to put them back in, try setting a reminder on your phone.

5. Don’t Forget Your Check-In Visits

Typically, patients with Invisalign have a check-in visit every 6-8 weeks. If your next one falls between November and January, don’t reschedule it unless absolutely necessary! Remember, these periodic progress visits play a crucial role in keeping you on-track with your treatment plan.

About the Practice

At Harris Parkway Dental Care, we offer custom Invisalign treatments for teens and adults who want to straighten their teeth without the metal. We’re also here to be an on-going resource so you have a place to turn for answers, advice, and recommendations. If you want to schedule a consultation with us to learn about the smile-enhancing services we offer (and which one is right for you), get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (817) 423-2223.