And just like that… there are only a few weeks left of 2023! Whether you’re staying at home or traveling out of town to see family, it’s important that you prioritize your clear aligner treatment – even amid the hustle and bustle that comes with this time of year. With this in mind, read on for four tips for navigating the holiday season with Invisalign!
1. Make Sure to Wear Your Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day
The holiday season just wouldn’t be the same without delicious foods and drinks – from orange-flavored cinnamon rolls in the morning and mulled wine and cranberry pie at night. While you’re welcome to indulge in all of these seasonal staples, it’s also important that you are mindful of your wear time. In other words, even during the holidays, you need to wear your trays for 20-22 hours a day in order to stay on-track with your treatment plan!
2. Brush and Floss Your Teeth After Each Meal
If you want to start 2024 with a healthy smile and clear aligners, you need to brush and floss after each meal. Naturally, this can be a bit of a cumbersome task if you’re at the airport catching a flight, on the side of the road grabbing a bite, or having a meal at a loved one’s house. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a small pouch filled with a travel-sized toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash – it makes it easy to complete your oral hygiene regimen on-the-go!
3. Store Your Aligners in Their Case, Not a Napkin
When you do take your trays out, it’s crucial that you store them properly. If you place them on your plate, out on the counter, or wrapped in a napkin, then there’s a good chance that they’ll accidentally get thrown away. This can result in serious delays to your treatment timeline, so, even if it seems inconvenient in the moment, make sure you place them in their designated case instead!
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Although you don’t have to steer clear of champagne, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and other festive drinks entirely, it is a good idea to make water your drink of choice. In addition to helping you stay hydrated, this sugar-free beverage also helps remove food particles from your teeth and keep your aligners clean and clear!
About the Practice
With a caring and experienced cosmetic dentist leading the way, Dr. Gregory, our team at Smile Carolina Dental Group is happy to offer our patients in Mt. Pleasant with several smile-enhancing services, including Invisalign. From your very first consultation to when it’s time to create your retainer, we will be here to answer any questions you have about the treatment process too! If you want to learn more about clear aligners or you’re ready to schedule your next appointment, visit our website or call (843) 884-8884.
