4 Helpful Tips for Navigating the Holidays with Invisalign

And just like that… the holiday season is in full swing! Between preparing delicious sides, shopping for loved ones, looking at Christmas lights, and traveling out of town, your list of to-dos might already be getting long. Even so, it’s important that you don’t let the “little” things slip through the cracks, like your clear aligner treatment. With this in mind, keep reading to learn four tips for navigating the holidays with Invisalign.

1. Don’t Wait to Put Your Aligners On

Whether you’re grabbing a peppermint mocha with friends or you’re eating dinner with family, it’s important that you don’t wait to put your aligners back on. After all, you only have a limited amount of aligner-free time each day! The best thing to do is brush your teeth and rinse your aligners as soon as you’re done; it’s a small habit that will go a long way in preventing treatment plan delays.

2. Use the Resources Available to You, like Your Phone

During the holidays, there’s a lot to juggle – from hosting loved ones to traveling out of town to see family. That’s why it’s important to use the resources available to you, like your phone! In addition to using the stopwatch to track your wear time, you can set reminders so you don’t miss important dates, like your check-in visits.

3. Keep Travel-Sized Oral Hygiene Essentials with You

If you put your aligners back on without brushing your teeth, the residue from what you ate or drank will get trapped against your aligners, increasing your risk of common oral health problems in the process. For that reason, patients are encouraged to keep a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash with them. It basically makes completing your oral hygiene regimen easy whether you’re on the road, on a plane, or at a loved one’s house for the holidays.

4. Make Water Your Go-To Beverage

Unfortunately, many seasonal drinks – although delicious – aren’t great for your teeth. So, keep beverages like peppermint mochas, hot chocolate, and eggnog to a minimum. Instead, opt for water! In addition to keeping you hydrated and preventing dry mouth, you don’t have to remove your aligners beforehand, which makes it even more convenient.

About the Doctor

Dr. Reintjes earned his dental doctorate at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, and he’s been serving patients in the Fresno area for over three decades now. Throughout that time, he has undergone advanced training on several services, including Invisalign, as well! So, if you are interested in this discreet orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us via our website or by phone at (559) 438-6684.