Back-to-school season is here, so your schedule might get busy with gathering supplies and organizing transportation for your child. You might also want to be extra attentive if they so happen to be a teen with Invisalign. The last thing you’d want is for them to fall off track with their treatment plan during school hours. Read on to learn five simple tips that can help make their Invisalign process a much easier experience throughout the year!
#1: Protecting Their Aligners
One of the most important things your teenager with Invisalign can have is a storage case for their aligners. Since they’ll need to remove them to eat, they should have a container that can protect their trays as well as avoid the risk of accidentally throwing them in the trash. Be sure to get them a brightly colored case, that way they can’t miss it.
#2: Keeping Good Oral Hygiene
Your teen will need to clean their teeth much more often with Invisalign. Without proper care, any debris or bacteria in their mouth can collect on their aligners, increasing the risk of cavities. Make sure they pack travel-sized cleaning tools in their bag such as a mini-toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss picks so that they can easily clean on the go!
#3: Preventing Cavities & Bad Breath
Bacteria and plaque naturally grow in the mouth throughout the day, even after brushing your teeth. The longer these harmful particles stay, the more problems they can cause for your teen’s smile, such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. One way to easily prevent this is to drink plenty of water, as this will help naturally wash the bacteria away. Try encouraging your child to stay hydrated while they’re at school.
#4: Eating at School
One of the perks of Invisalign is that your teen won’t have any food restrictions, meaning they can eat their favorite meals. However, they’ll have to remove their aligners beforehand, which can sometimes cause mild soreness especially if they’re switching to a new set of trays. To help make this more comfortable, consider packing them soft foods for lunch. You might also buy them removal tools like OrthoKey so that they can take their Invisalign off more easily.
#5: Improving Their Confidence with Aligners
It can be difficult for your teen to keep up with their treatment process if they’re concerned about the way they look. Try reassuring them that their aligners are virtually invisible (maybe take some photos for them to see) and that they’re free to show off their smile. By boosting their self-esteem, you can help them feel more motivated to keep up with their treatment plan.
Even though Invisalign comes with numerous responsibilities, it doesn’t have to be a complicated process for your teen. Keep these essential tips in mind, and your child will be able to enjoy a perfectly straight smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Richard Carlson studied at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has well over 35 years of experience. He’s also a member of numerous organizations such as the Seattle Study Club, the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He offers various high-quality treatments, including Invisalign, and can help you through every step of the process. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 904-262-8449.