One of the best things about the holiday season is that it offers a break from your normal routine. While this is great when it comes to traveling, catching up with friends, and seeing loved ones, it can also spell trouble if you have Invisalign. It’s important to be consistent with your aligners in order to get the most out of them, but the fun, food, and festivities of the season can make it easy to forget habits you normally don’t think twice about. Fortunately, just keeping a few things in mind will allow you to get the most out of the holidays and stay on track toward your straight smile.
Make a List & Check It Twice
Millions of people travel for the holidays, which also means millions of people forget to pack something important! Whether you use your phone or write it down by hand, take the time to create a list of everything you need to bring, including your Invisalign trays, carrying case, and the next set of trays if you’ll be gone when you’re supposed to switch.
Sip, Sip, Floss
Between every holiday feast are several hours of grazing, whether you’re grabbing the odd dinner roll or another piece of pie. You’re supposed to take your trays out every time you eat, and while this shouldn’t curtail your snacking too much, it’s important to clean your mouth after these small indulgences.
Eating over a long period of time exposes your teeth to sugar that can become stuck beneath your trays, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. So, after every delectable treat, be sure to at least sip and swish some unflavored water to rinse your mouth and floss to remove debris from between your teeth.
Speaking of Water…
What is your favorite holiday beverage? Eggnog? Warm cider? Hot cocoa? While there are no wrong answers, it’s important to remove your trays if you are drinking anything other than unflavored water. Otherwise, you could stain your trays, allow sugar to become trapped against your teeth, and even warp the shape of your aligners if the drink is particularly hot.
While enjoying the holidays with Invisalign does require a few extra steps, none of them take that long, and they will all give you peace of mind in the end. Staying on track now will ensure that your new smile will be ready well before the holidays come back around!
About the Author
Dr. Ron Sherman’s 30+ year career in the dental field is filled with countless accomplishments, starting with earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh. However, what sets him apart from the rest is his commitment to customer service, beautiful smiles, and seamless treatments. He even gives his personal cell number to every patient. That way, you can always get a direct answer to your questions! If you want to learn more about Invisalign and what it could do for you, visit his website or call (425) 391-4964.