Between costume parties, trick-or-treating, and the endless bowls of candy around every corner, Halloween can feel like a challenge if you’re in the middle of Invisalign treatment. The good news is that you don’t have to skip any of the celebrations this year; with a little planning, you can enjoy the holiday and still keep your clear aligners in great shape! Here are three key tips to keep in mind.
1. Keep Wearing Your Aligners as Directed
Invisalign only works when your aligners are in your mouth, and for all patients, this means wearing them 20 to 22 hours every day. It can be tempting to leave them out for an entire night of festivities, but even just a few skipped hours can add up and ultimately delay your progress. You should aim to take your aligners out only when you’re eating or drinking anything except for clear water and then put them back in immediately afterward. It often helps to set a phone reminder or timer if you struggle to remain consistent.
2. Be Extra Careful When Choosing Your Candy
Your aligners are removable, meaning that while you can still technically enjoy all kinds of Halloween candy, it still pays off to choose wisely. Sticky and chewy candies like caramels, taffy, and gummies can cling to your teeth and attachments, and hard candies like lollipops and Jolly Ranchers can put you at risk of chipping a tooth. On the other hand, chocolate and other treats that dissolve quickly are usually easier on your smile, making them a better option. Whatever you choose, it’s also wise to try enjoying your candy in one sitting, rather than snacking on it over the course of an afternoon or evening.
3. Always Safely Store Your Clear Aligners
It’s very easy to accidentally set your aligners down in a bad place while you take a bite to eat or a sip of your drink. In fact, a large percentage of lost aligners are due to them accidentally being thrown away with a napkin or food waste! Always keep your aligner case in your bag, purse, or pocket, and place your trays inside of it whenever they’re out of your mouth. If a tray does go missing, don’t wait to let your orthodontist know, since your treatment will immediately be at risk.
In addition to these tips, you should also be sure that you’re keeping up with your oral hygiene during your treatment, and especially around spooky season. But in any case, with a little planning, Halloween and Invisalign can go together without any hangups!
About the Practice
Our team here at Zoom Family Dental has been a staple in the Plano community for several years. We offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options, including Invisalign clear aligners for patients hoping to straighten their teeth without metal brackets and wires. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, you can reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (972) 516-1818.
