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Your Guide to Wearing Invisalign During the Holidays

Put the holiday decorations up and invite your family and friends over to your house for dinner because it’s the holiday season! This festive time of year is the busiest for many in a variety of ways. Many people choose to go on a vacation during the holidays while others that work in specific industries need to dedicate their time to their business and work schedules. Whether you are busy working, vacationing or attending holiday events and parties, you need to wear your Invisalign aligners. The following information will guide you through the holidays and help you stay on track with your teeth straightening treatment.

Wear Your Aligners 20 to 22 Hours Daily

According to the American Dental Association, Invisalign aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. The rush of the holidays can cause you to forget to wear them, so it’s best to set a reminder on your cell phone to assure you wear them the recommended time per day. Neglecting to wear your aligners will interfere with your teeth straightening treatment and can lead to discomfort and pain further along in the process.

Carry the Aligners Storage Case with You

A common mistake many people make is putting their clear aligners in a napkin and setting it on the table while eating a meal. The napkin often gets picked up and thrown in the trash by mistake. This simple error causes a delay in treatment. You can prevent this from happening by carrying the aligners storage case with you at all times and use it every time you remove your aligners.

Brush and Floss After Every Meal and Snack

You need to brush and floss after every meal to remove the small food particles that get stuck between your teeth. This tiny debris can lead to odor, bacteria growth and tooth decay. You will be attending holiday parties and events where you will be eating and drinking festive foods. It’s essential that you carry a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss with you at all times. An excellent tip is to also carry travel size mouthwash to assure your mouth is completely clean before placing your aligners back into your mouth.

Always Remove Your Aligners to Prevent Discomfort

It might seem like a good idea to take a few sips of your favorite hot beverage without removing your aligners, but it’s a big mistake. As soon as the hot liquid touches the aligners, it damages the structure and can interfere with your treatment. The aligners can slightly bend out of shape causing your teeth to move in the wrong direction. This can lead to pain when you switch your aligners to the next stage because your teeth are not in place or prepared for the next step. Always remove your aligners every time you eat and drink.

Enjoy your holidays but also remember your teeth straightening treatment can’t get interrupted. Create a regimen that allows you to follow the instructions in this guide and keeps you on track with your treatment.

Dr. Jacquie NYCDr. Jacquie Smiles began her career in orthodontics dentistry at Boston University and became the first female Director of B.U.’s Predoctoral Orthodontic Department. Since then she has become an expert in orthodontics and opened several offices in New York and New Jersey.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT  

Contact us today for your no-obligation teeth straightening appointment in NYC. You may also call Dr. Jacquie Smiles at 212-972-3522Our office is conveniently located near 30 East 40th Street Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016.

 


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