Preparing for the holidays entails expecting to be busier than usual. There will be dinner plans to make, family and loved ones to spend time with, and a lot of shopping to do as quickly and efficiently as possible. Because of how hectic this time of year can be, it is especially important to stay on top of everything you need to keep your dental health in tip-top shape. This entails going above and beyond to optimize how you use your aligners. If you believe you will struggle to keep up with them this holiday season, keep some of these tips in mind to improve your aligner practice.
Wear them on a daily basis.
The most important thing you can do with your aligners is to make sure you wear them as often as you are supposed to. According to the American Dental Association, the best way to wear Invisalign aligners is to wear them for the majority of the day, ranging from 20 to 22 hours. However, if you find yourself forgetting to wear them due to the holiday rush, it may be a good idea to set cell phone reminders to keep your hours up. When you fail to wear your aligners, you may jeopardize your teeth’s long-term straightening. This can add to the discomfort of the process.
Keep the Storage Case with You
Keeping your storage case with you is one of the most important things you can do to keep your aligners from getting lost. This is especially important when you remove your aligners to eat and drink. Many people simply leave their aligners in a napkin, but this can be dangerous because they may end up being thrown away with other napkins. Bring your case, and remember to put your aligners away after you’ve finished at the table to avoid losing them.
Brush and floss frequently
It is critical that you maintain your flossing and brushing routine. This includes not only brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at night, but also flossing and brushing after meals. This is significant because the aligners prevent bacteria from collecting in your mouth and growing in an enclosed space. With so much eating and drinking that you will be doing at parties and family gatherings, it is always important to be responsible with your mouth care. Another good way to protect your teeth is to carry mouthwash with you.
Before drinking, take out your aligners
When you remove your aligners before drinking, you have a better chance of avoiding tooth discomfort and reducing structural issues with your aligners. If you do not remove your aligners, hot liquids, in particular, can cause tooth sensitivity and warp the shape of your aligners. During the holidays, anything from hot coffee to tea can start to harm your aligners, so remove them before drinking and remember to put them back on after brushing your teeth. This simple safety precaution can help you save money on replacements in the future.
Speaking with Dr. Blalock will enable you to investigate even more beneficial practices. Plan ahead of time for your needs and use reminders to reduce the chances of missing out on proper alignment procedures.
