Toddlers and Toothbrushes

Toddlers and Toothbrushes

Toddlers and Toothbrushes

What is more thrilling than seeing your little cutie shine that wide grin of theirs at you? Pretty much nothing except maybe the knowledge that you have done everything possible to ensure that beautiful smile is as healthy as it is fetching. With the American Dental Association estimating that as many as 40 percent of children under 5 have tooth decay, it is time for toddlers to put down their tiaras and pick up their toothbrushes.

According to New York City based orthodontist Dr. Jacqueline Fulop Goodling, who owns three practices that are among the busiest pediatric dental and orthodontic offices in the area in NYC on Long Island and in Monroe, instilling in your child a healthy respect for oral hygiene and effective habits from day one is vital.

It is essential to start your child off with good oral health as early as possible to not only keep their mouths healthy while they rely on you for everything, but to also give them the knowledge and the tools to be able to care for their own oral health when the time comes, says Dr. Jacquie. It is incredibly empowering to a child when parents make her an active partner is her dental care and we know that those children are more likely to go on to a life of good oral hygiene.

I. Start Young
WHY: Good oral hygiene should start even before baby teeth sprout. While bacteria in the mouth cannot do any damage to the teeth before they erupt it is important to get into the habit of wiping the gums at bath time for a number of reasons:
Parents often do not realize when the teeth are starting to push through.
It is much easier to acclimate a baby to this routine before the discomfort of teething interferes.
Getting baby used to having her mouth cleaned will make it easier to transition to toothbrushing when the time is right.

HOW: It is as easy as wiping baby s gums with gauze or a soft wet washcloth during bath time. Simply wrap the material around your finger and gently swipe it over the gums no need for toothpaste yet!

II. Is your baby Tooth some?
Once the first chomper appears (usually around six months, although some perfectly healthy babies do not see their first pearly white until as late as 18 months) it is time to step up your oral health game. According to Dr. Jacquie, babies should see a pediatric dentist at their first birthday or upon the eruption of that first tooth whichever comes first. As soon as that first tooth appears, it s time to get brushing.

WHY: We still see parents who believe that caring for their children s baby teeth is less important than caring for adult teeth. Not only does that attitude send the wrong message, it is also absolutely false that baby teeth are less important than adult teeth. Dr. Jacquie says, explaining that baby teeth fulfill all the same duties as adult teeth with the only difference being that they are designed to fit the smaller jaws of our youth. Healthy baby teeth are essential for proper digestion, speech development and jaw development. Baby teeth are also important placeholders for adult teeth, and adult teeth that come into an unhealthy mouth are more prone to have decay as well.

HOW:
Apply a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste to a baby toothbrush with a small head that fits comfortably in your hand and twice a day brush on the inside and the outside of your child s teeth. Some cooperative babies even let their parents give their tongues a quick once over.
It is very important to use the smallest amount of toothpaste possible until baby learns to rinse and spit not something many 6 month olds are likely to do.
While there is no evidence to show that flossing baby teeth carries any real benefit (particularly those that do not even touch), it is not a bad idea to establish that routine as well once your baby has tooth surfaces that touch each other.

III. To fluoridate or not to fluoridate?
The most common sources of fluoride are fluoridated water, fluoride supplements and brushing with fluoride toothpaste. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association and The Centers for Disease Control all agree that drinking fluoridated water is a safe method of fluoridation. Furthermore, the CDC states. The proper amount of fluoride from infancy through old age helps prevent and control tooth decay.

WHY: Fluoride is an important mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents and can even reverse early signs of tooth decay. It is important both before and after teeth erupt.

Fluoride the baby ingests enters the blood stream making teeth stronger and more resistant to decay even before they erupt, explains Dr. Jacquie.

HOW: There are a number of ways your baby and toddler can get the fluoride they need and it is important to discuss the optimal method for your family with either a pediatrician or a dentist before teeth even arrive. Since methods of feeding vary and the addition of fluoride to drinking water varies from one city to the other, Dr. Jacquie recommends speaking with your pediatrician early on to ensure your baby is getting the proper amount of fluoride.

The benefits of good oral health in babies and toddlers are massive healthy habits early on prevent tooth decay, the premature loss of baby teeth and other issues and can even preempt the development of dental phobias that will hamper oral health as the child assumes control of his own care.

Baby teeth might be temporary but they are incredibly important to a child s oral health and to the development of their adult teeth. Additionally, despite their name, they are meant to last a lot longer than through your child’s baby years. Most adult teeth in the front of the mouth do not come through until ages 6 or 7 and molars often do not appear until age 12, says Dr. Jacquie. With tooth decay the most common chronic childhood disease, establishing these habits early on is essential.

What is the deal with Orthodontic Relapse?

Most teens and their parents believe that if they comply with their orthodontic treatment, they will have straight teeth for life. But in reality, that just is not the case. Dr. Jacqueline Fulop Goodling’s three orthodontic offices throughout New York are among the busiest in the state and a recent in-office poll highlighted just how wrong most of us are: according to the poll, more than three quarters of Dr.Jacquie s patients have had more than one round of orthodontic treatment.

This signifies a major trend one that most people can verify simply by asking around. Chances are they know someone who has had orthodontic treatment more than once, or who had it and whose teeth have become crooked again.

So, what is the deal?

According to Dr. Jacquie there are two major issues at play:
1. Patients do not understand the importance of wearing their retainer following treatment. Not for 6 months – for the rest of their lives.
2. Until recently, the process of making retainers and replacing them (if lost, broken, or if the patients teeth shift) was riddled with problems: orthodontists retired before their patients needed new equipment, patient records were not computerized and therefore difficult to locate, and much more.

At the root of both of these issues is the mistaken belief that orthodontic results are permanent. Teeth have memory, and once the braces come off, or the patient ceases to wear aligners, they will gradually return to their original position, Dr. Jacquie explains. The fact is that as a whole the field has not emphasized enough the true importance of wearing retainers and it is always been a part of orthodontics handled individually by each office. We are seeing more and more cases of repeat treatment and the most valuable knowledge we can impart to patients is that they should discuss after care with their orthodontist in as much depth as they did their actual treatment.

Additionally, Dr. Jacquie encourages her patients to view wearing their retainer as a healthy lifestyle decision. The decision to have orthodontic treatment whether made by an adult for themselves or for their child is an important health decision, Dr. Jacquie says, going on to explain that like many other healthy life choices, a well aligned smile and mouth requires a commitment. I tell my patients to compare it to a healthy diet. The benefit will remain with them for as long as they stick to that diet, but if they stray for too long, they begin to lose some of it. It is the same with orthodontic treatment.Thankfully, with the right guidance and by asking the right questions the first treatment can last a lifetime.

INVISALIGN: A (MOSTLY) LOVE STORY WEEKS 20-21 (TRAY 10!)

I feel like I am on the home stretch. I also feel like getting an extra week in with my trays helped me out a lot. Tray 10 eased onto my teeth with no problem.

I also have a confession. I jumped five trays ahead to sneak a peek at my last tray (14) before refinements. Wow, do my teeth look straight in the end. I sure hope they fit in those trays. This week, I offer a retrospective look at my first 18 weeks with aligners, in numbers.

Save up to $1,500 on Invisalign.

Schedule your appointment today. Insurance accepted. Our office is conveniently located near 30 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016.
Call: 212-972-3522

A LOOK BACK AT WEEKS 1-18

How many people asked me if I am wearing Invisalign: 4
How many people asked me what was on my teeth: 6
How many of those people were under the age of 7: 2
How many people assumed I was wearing a mouthpiece during Muay Thai: all of them?
How many people questioned my hygiene and, instead of trays, thought I might have a nasty film on my teeth: 1 (he is since been schooled on how to talk to a lady)
How many aspirins I have taken: 2 (seriously, 2)
How many times I misplaced/lost my trays: 12
How many times I dug through the garbage looking for my trays: 4
How many times my trays were actually in the garbage: 1
How many attachments were placed on my teeth: 6
How many attachments are still on my teeth: 6
How many events I went to with my trays in, and left with my trays out every single one this summer and fall
How many events I missed because of Invisalign: 0
How many times I snapped my trays out in front of my boyfriend way too many
How many hours in 18 weeks: 3,024
Approximately how many hours I have worn my trays so far: 2,268-2,520
How many hours I have spent without my trays in: At least 504
How many times I have flossed in the last 18 weeks: 378
How many times I flossed prior to getting my trays: probably less than 100, and I am talking in my lifetime (I used to hate to floss)

Next up: I love them, I love them not.

invisalign-teen-aligners-jacquie-smiles-monroe-nyc

Beautiful white teeth

Everyone wants and with the myriad options on today s market, the smile you have always wanted is no further than the neighborhood drugstore or your dentist s chair. Dr. Jacqueline Goodling, a New York City based orthodontist and whitening specialist offers her top tips to ensure that every whitening experience is as effective and comfortable as possible.

Not all whiteners are created equal
Both over-the-counter whitening kits and professional treatments offer certain benefits and in order to have the best outcome possible, it is important to understand what can reasonably be expected. Additionally, it is vital to start with a clean slate.

No matter what method of whitening a patient opts for, it is essential to have a professional cleaning beforehand to ensure the best possible results, cautions Dr. Goodling. Plaque and remnant adhesive from orthodontic treatment will not whiten so if they are present, the result will be blotchy and imperfect – far from the radiant smile people want when they whiten.

Some of the best OTC Whitening Kits available include Crest 3D White Whitening Strips, Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolve Strips, GOSMILE, and many more offer high-level whitening at a much lower price point than professional treatments. Their pros include being inexpensive and convenient and they are great for emergency situations or maintenance. The con is that users are more likely to use these incorrectly. Prices range from $20 – $99.

Professional Whitening Treatments include in-office treatments like Zoom! whitening or BriteSmile that offer fast results and doctor supervised at-home whitening, which are more economical and render the same results as in-office treatments, though less rapidly. The price varies from $500 to $1,000.

Top Dos and Don ts for a life-long white smile Once the whitening process is complete, maintaining that brilliant smile is priority number one.
The first step is to complete treatment for the best results.
Chew sugar-free gum.
Dab anti-sensitivity toothpaste directly on sensitive spots and leave it over night.
Talk to your dentist about ACP to instantly relieve sensitivity.
Avoid stain-making foods and beverages like red sauces, balsamic vinegar for two weeks after whitening.

Dr. Goodling is a New York City-based orthodontist with practices in New York City, Long Island, and upstate New York. Her accomplishments are vast: Dr. Goodling is the top ranked female Invisalign provider in New York State, an active lecturer, and was the first female director of BU Dental School s Orthodotic Department.

Long Island Pediatric Orthodontics

Dr. Jacqueline Fulop Goodling is an pediatric orthodontist with one of the largest practices on Long Island, NY. Her staff of pediatric assistants, hygienists, and dentists is one of the most popular dental destinations for good reason.

Dr. Jacquie and her team are clearly the right choice for your child s orthodontic treatment
Dr. Jacquie has more than just a decade of experience and an impeccable track record behind her. She was the first female and the youngest ever director of Boston University Dental School s Orthodontics Department for second, third and fourth year students. Her impressive treatment record and prominent research Dr. Jacquie presented a four year, double blind study on identical twins that compared the effects of treatment with conventional orthodontic methods versus Invisalign has been recognized globally. Dr. Jacquie has lectured in front of more than 10,000 orthodontists, dentists, orthodontic residents, dental students and their teams in multiple fields of orthodontics throughout the world and is recognized as one of the top 10 providers of Invisalign worldwide.

Pediatric orthodontic patients who are treated with traditional braces and their families can also rest assured that they are being treated with the latest, most effective scientific advances in the field of orthodontic treatment. From NASA designed nickel titanium arch wires that make adjustments more effective and comfortable to the most cutting-edge imagining technology, pediatric orthodontics is cool at Dr. Jacquie s office.

Dr. Jacquie values your time as she and her staff care for your children s smiles.
Dr. Jacquie and her staff of qualified pediatric hygienists, dental assistants, dentists, and, orthodontists, love working with children and know how to make sure time spent at her office is as fun and comfortable as possible.

It begins when you walk through her doors into a state of the art waiting room, fully stocked with computer workstations for multi tasking parents, work surfaces for after school visits, video games, books, and more to guarantee the time spent waiting for your appointment is not time wasted.

Teens and children treated at Dr. Jacquie s office, as well as their parents, have access to the best pediatric orthodontic and dental care. Our talented staff of dental professionals is here for you. Orthodontic and dental emergencies are handled swiftly and with care; questions about insurance and rates are fielded respectfully and thoroughly; and the needs of each patient and his or her family are always at the forefront of our practice.

At Dr. Jacquie s pediatric orthodontic and dental practice, we pride ourselves on offering the highest level of professionalism in a warm, inviting environment where every patient feels at home. Please call us at 212-972-3522 for more information to setup your pediatric orthodontist consultation today.

FACE the cold, hard truth

Americans spend hours working on their fitness all in the name of flat stomachs, firm rear ends, toned arms and graceful legs, all the components of a slim, attractive physique. However, the one part of the body neglected during spin classes, morning jogs and hot yoga classes the world over is the face.

Our face is covered in muscles that play a central role in the development of wrinkles and sagging skin, the most notorious signs of aging. Although most people believe the only way to avoid the signs of aging is with topical treatments or plastic surgery, one of the best ways to keep the face youthful and wrinkle free is with exercises that strengthen and relax those muscles. Dr. Jacqueline Fulop Goodling is a New York City based orthodontist whose patients often unknowingly benefit from working their facial muscles throughout the course of their treatment, and as a result see anti aging effects.

Many of my patients are adults treated with Invisalign and their tongue is more active in their mouth, they are using it to press their aligners in, they must slightly purse their lips to close comfortably over the aligners, and they even gently stretch out their mouths to accommodate the aligners,Dr. Fulop Goodling explains, adding that each of those movements actually work out a series of muscles on the face and reverse everything from saggy skin to the formation of jowls. Whatever you call it Facercise or Yoga for the Face, it is very important to engage the muscles of your face in order to keep them looking young and healthy. Often the first time my patients experience it is with their orthodontic treatment, but I always encourage them to adopt it as part of their daily beauty routine and keep it up.

1. Wag the tongue
Open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can, and release your tongue. Hold this pose for 60 seconds.

2. Jazzercise
Mimic the inflated cheeks of a trumpet player to engage a series of face muscles.

3. Queen of the Jungle
Reassert your place as the master of your own destiny (or at the very least, the owner of a relaxed looking visage) by inhaling through your nose, making fists and squeezing every muscle on your face possible.

As an orthodontist, Dr. Jacquie was trained in the musculature of the face and is qualified to explain why working the facial muscles is so important and how doing so can play a meaningful role in preventing, as well as reversing, some of the most dreaded signs of aging.

INVISALIGN: A (MOSTLY) LOVE STORY WEEKS 17-19 (TRAY 9)

Finally! Something not great to report.

MY TEETH HURT! My gums are sore. Sometimes it even hurts to chew. And every time I put my trays back on, I hurt some more! This is my rationale (and my rationale may be 100% medically inaccurate): over the past 15 weeks, the trays I
have worn have readied my teeth for the most difficult part of their journey. Eight aligners have gotten my teeth into position for the big move, a move that will push my mostly straightened teeth right next to each other and then (drum roll, please) widen them all together, all at once. Up until this point the trays were focusing on my most screwy teeth and readying them to go where they ultimately want to be (in perfect order, standing shoulder to shoulder, or toe to toe, with the others).

Is not that what any good tooth wants?

So, in summary: it hurts. And I am uncomfortable. Not all of the time, but much more than I was accustomed to. And that is fine with me. My smile is coming back, and I will endure most any pain or inconvenience to see its full potential.

So bring it, Invisalign, bring it.

(Oh, I also decided to wear this tray for three weeks. I decided on my own, without an orthodontist s supervision. I just felt like I needed a little more adjustment time and this seemed like the right tray to do it.)

Next up: The home stretch

INVISALIGN: A (MOSTLY) LOVE STORY WEEKS 15-16 (TRAY 8)

INVISALIGN: A (MOSTLY) LOVE STORY WEEKS 15-16 (TRAY 8)

Like a Bond girl, but not at all.

It was time for my check-up at the office. I looked forward to the visit but was scared I would be reprimanded for not wearing my aligners enough.

At my appointment, my next trays (the ninth) fit well, but the top tray did not exactly hug the bottom of my teeth (did you follow that?). There was a millimeter or two of empty tray space that hung below my top teeth and (close your eyes!) did a good job of collecting my saliva. I was told this was normal, that some trays will move my teeth more than others, and was given a 4 inch piece of white plastic to bite down on the for next few days to kind of force the trays up into position.

So for 30 seconds, a few times a day, I bit down on the plastic, until the trays hugged my teeth again. My boyfriend said it reminded him of James Bond s rebreather in the Thunderball movie. Which I’m sure means I looked pretty hot.

Next up: Feel the pain

Beautiful white teeth

Everyone wants beautiful white teeth and with the myriad options on today s market, the smile you have always wanted is no further than the neighborhood drugstore or your dentist s chair. Dr. Jacqueline Goodling, a New York City based orthodontist and whitening specialist offers her top tips to ensure that every whitening experience is as effective and comfortable as possible.

Not all whiteners are created equal
Both over the counter whitening kits and professional treatments offer certain benefits and in order to have the best outcome possible, it is important to understand what can reasonably be expected. Additionally, it is vital to start with a clean slate.

No matter what method of whitening a patient opts for, it is essential to have a professional cleaning beforehand to ensure the best possible results, cautions Dr. Goodling. Plaque and remnant adhesive from orthodontic treatment will not whiten so if they are present, the result will be blotchy and imperfect far from the radiant smile people want when they whiten.

Some of the best OTC Whitening Kits available include Crest 3D White Whitening Strips, Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolve Strips, GOSMILE, and many more offer high-level whitening at a much lower price point than professional treatments. Their pros include being inexpensive and convenient and they are great for emergency situations or maintenance. The con is that users are more likely to use these incorrectly. Prices range from $20 – $99.

Professional Whitening Treatments include in-office treatments like Zoom! whitening or BriteSmile that offer fast results and doctor supervised at-home whitening, which are more economical and render the same results as in-office treatments, though less rapidly. The price varies from $500 to $1,000.

Top Dos and Don ts for a life-long white smile Once the whitening process is complete, maintaining that brilliant smile is priority number one.
The first step is to complete treatment for the best results.
Chew sugar-free gum.
Dab anti-sensitivity toothpaste directly on sensitive spots and leave it over night.
Talk to your dentist about ACP to instantly relieve sensitivity.
Avoid stain-making foods and beverages like red sauces, balsamic vinegar for two weeks after whitening.

Dr. Goodling is a New York City-based orthodontist with practices in New York City, Long Island, and upstate New York. Her accomplishments are vast: Dr. Goodling is the top ranked female Invisalign provider in New York State, an active lecturer, and was the first female director of BU Dental School s Orthodotic Department.

New from Invisalign

Align Technology, the makers of Invisalign recently announced the launch of their latest product Invisalign Express 5 designed to treat patients with minor orthodontic issues (mild spacing, crowding and orthodontic relapse) with the same standard of quality Invisalign is known for, but at a much lower cost than traditional Invisalign.

Invisalign Express 5 stands as just another shining example of how Align listens to its doctors. More and more patients present with minor orthodontic issues that they want resolved for that picture perfect smile, but unfortunately they were often discouraged by what they felt was a steep price for the minimal treatment required to achieve their dream smile,explains Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling, a NYC based orthodontist and Invisalign Elite Premier Provider. We want every patient who walks into our office to walk out happy and smiling, and now not only can we provide them unparalleled orthodontic treatment, but we can do it at a price they are comfortable with.

Invisalign Express 5 upholds the same standard of exceptional treatment that the family of Invisalign products is renowned for, including ClinCheck treatment plan that allows orthodontists to view a 3D virtual representation of the desired treatment outcome and the various aligner stages, and SmartForce attachments to achieve predictable tooth movements. It is also compatible with the cutting edge iOC Scanner, which takes perfect digital impressions and eliminates patient discomfort, the need for multiple physical impressions, and environmental waste.

Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling recommends Invisalign Express 5 because it provides patients with minor orthodontic issues a cost effective option to achieve the smile of their dreams. According to Dr. Jacquie, with three quarters of her adult orthodontic practice comprised of second time patients whose lifestyle requires the discretion of Invisalign, Invisalign Express 5 has been received with open arms by those patients who suffer from orthodontic relapse.

About Dr. Jacqueline Fulop Goodling
Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling is a New York based orthodontist and Invisalign specialist. She earned her DMD degree and completed her orthodontic residency at Boston University School of Dental Medicine, where she later went on to assume a professorship and to become the first female director of B.U. Dental School s Orthodontic Department for second, third, and fourth year dental students.

Dr. Fulop-Goodling is a popular lecturer and has taught more than 10,000 orthodontists, dentists, orthodontic residents, dental students and their teams in multiple fields of orthodontics throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, South America and Israel. Dr. Fulop-Goodling has cemented her reputation as one of the most prominent figures in the field of orthodontics as the holder of several U.S. and international patents and the presenter of a four year, double blind study on identical twins that compared the effects of treatment with conventional orthodontic methods versus Invisalign.

INVISALIGN: A (MOSTLY) LOVE STORY WEEKS 13-14 (TRAYS 7)

Let the upper lip issues begin

I think my teeth stopped moving, or that their movement has hit a plateau.

Confession: I am looking forward to being able to take my top trays out for good. My bottom teeth are in a worse predicament than the top, so if everything goes as planned, I will be wearing the bottom trays longer than I will the top. Which is totally fine with me.

My only issue is the (super-duper slight, noticeable to no one but me) change in my appearance when wearing my trays. I think my mouth (at least my upper lip) protrudes a tiny bit when I am wearing them and I feel more, um, feminine, when they are not in.

When this feeling of un-prettiness hits, I just remind myself: I am not wearing train tracks. I will have my dream teeth in less than a year. STRAIGHT TEETH IN LESS THAN A YEAR? I will drag queen it till then. (Possible future Invisalign patients take note: I seem to be the only person who notices the change in my lip. I asked my boyfriend, and some other select friends who I knew would be honest, and they all think I am being too critical. Which would not be surprising.)

Because everything else in my Invisalign process is going so smoothly, I decided to check out the mix of patient reviews/diaries/blogs/journals out there and compare my experience to that of others. Here is a list of common complaints/comments from other Invisalign wearers and my reaction:

Dry mouth: Nope.
Pain: Rarely.
Teeth look bigger with trays in: Sure, a little.
Teeth look shiny with trays in: Sure, a little. (And not in a bad way.)
Teeth look straighter: This is not actually a problem, right?
Teeth cannot fully close: Well, of course, but you would not be doing anything with your trays in that require your teeth to fully close. Practice your semi-close-mouthed smile for pictures and this would not bother you at all.
Stinky mouth: I have never noticed this and unless my boyfriend, friends and family are totally dishonest, neither have they.

The one recurring theme in my experience and everyone else s: we could wear our aligners more. We should all wear our aligners more.

Next up: James Bond and I have something in common.

INVISALIGN: A (MOSTLY) LOVE STORY WEEKS 9-12 (TRAYS 5-6)

WEEKS 9-10 (TRAY 5)

The craziest thing about Invisalign is that it makes your teeth move. The next craziest thing about Invisalign is that wearing your trays requires little to no outside supervision. Once I had my attachments, I had 12 weeks of wearing them without one appointment to see Dr. Jacquie. Imagine that? How well Invisalign works (and how quickly) is completely dependent on you and how much you behave (or misbehave). When I had braces, I made frequent visits to the dentist, for cleaning, tightening, rubber-band changing. This time, the straightening of my teeth was entirely up to me. I would not say Iam the model patient, I definitely have been taking plenty of liberties with my wear-time, but it feels strangely good to know that if my next trays don’t fit, itis my fault. The truth is, it is better to behave, but there is room to misbehave. I like that about Invisalign. I imagine everyone likes that about Invisalign.

(I really hope my next trays fit.)

Save up to $1,500 on Invisalign.

Schedule your appointment today. Insurance accepted. Our office is conveniently located near 30 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016.
Call: 212-972-3522

WEEKS 11-12 (TRAY 6)

Iam not sure what straight teeth deities are looking after me but somehow, despite my less-than-stellar behavior with my trays (some people need supervision!), the sixth installment of my trays went on no problem. Thank you, straight tooth fairies.

However, I have a headache. It hurts. Itis either the sun (hello, heat wave) or my trays. Perhaps the gods that have allowed me to get this far in my treatment are reminding me that there are consequences to my actions, and while my trays are fitting, they are going to be tight if I choose not to wear them 22 hours a day.

When I first got my trays I was told to bring the case they came with everywhere. That temporarily storing my trays in paper towels was not a good idea, as many, many people have accidentally thrown them out. But no one told me how easy and practical and convenient a homemade paper towel Invisalign container is, especially when you are in the kitchen, and about to eat. Just pop them into a napkin or paper towel, season and taste your food, and enjoy your meal. The trick is remembering that the paper towels are not garbage, and should not be put in the garbage.

Fast forward an hour: I threw my trays out, accidentally, after reminding myself while cleaning the kitchen NOT to throw that particular wad of paper towels out, as my trays were in them. Fortunately, they were tossed at the very end of my cleaning routine and were easily retrieved from the trash but LESSON LEARNED. Use your case!

Update:

I still do not use my case. I leave my trays in so many random places (on the bedroom windowsill, in the linen closet, in my boyfriend s glove compartment) and not-so-random places (in the bathroom vanity, next to my toothbrush; on the bathroom sink, next to my toothpaste) that I lose them all the time. I do not actually lose them, it just takes me longer to find them then say, if I USED MY CASE. But there is always that quick sensation of panic, the I lost my trays, what am I going to do? moment, that really is not worth it. So use your case! The relief you feel after going through your friend s garbage only to realize you put your aligners in your laptop bag is so not worth the coffee grounds now stuck under your fingernails.

Next post: I hit a plateau