4 Holiday-Specific Invisalign Tips

Is this your first holiday season with Invisalign? Good news: with clear aligners, you don’t have to feel self-conscious about your smile in photos, you don’t have to abide by any dietary restrictions, and you don’t need to worry about complicated oral hygiene regimens. With that being said, there are a few things you need to keep in mind during this time of year. So, keep reading to learn four holiday-specific Invisalign tips!

Tip #1: Don’t Wrap Your Aligners in a Napkin During Mealtime

Whether you’re at a holiday dinner with your company, you’re going to a family member’s house to open presents, or you’re staying at home and cooking for your loved ones, you might be tempted to wrap your aligners in a napkin while you eat. Don’t! This is one of the easiest ways to lose or break them. Instead, rinse off your trays before carefully placing them in their designated storage case.

Tip #2: Be Mindful of Your Sugar Intake

It’s true; there aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign. However, it’s still important to be mindful of your sugar intake. After all, even a small cavity has the potential to delay your treatment plan! While it can be enticing to fill your plate with peppermint bark, pecan pie, caramel popcorn, and other sweet treats, make sure to include some smile-friendly foods too, like fresh fruits and cooked vegetables.

Tip #3: Track Your Wear Time

Although your Invisalign aligners are removable, they only work while you’re wearing them. That’s why the “22-hour rule” is so important! Between catching flights and enjoying long meals with loved ones, you might find yourself wearing your aligners less and less during the holidays. The best way to prevent that from happening is by tracking your wear time with the Invisalign app or your timer.

Tip #4: Make Water Your Beverage of Choice

Do you usually enjoy a peppermint mocha in the mornings or a glass of wine with your meal during the holiday season? Unfortunately, you can’t drink either of these beverages with Invisalign (even if you use a straw). The best beverage for your teeth and your aligners is water, so make that your go-to drink this holiday season! Note: if you have a craving for something a bit more “fun,” you can opt for plain, sparkling water instead.

The last thing you want is to fall off-track with your Invisalign treatment over the holidays, starting the new year with delays. Fortunately, the above tips will go a long way in preventing that from happening!

About the Author

When Dr. Bradford Plasha realized he could positively impact the lives of others and truly make a difference as a dentist, he knew that was the career for him! After attending Randolph-Macon College for his undergraduate studies, he pursued his dental doctorate at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Today, he is a Fellow in the International Dental Implant Association and an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and Pennsylvania Dental Association. If you want to learn more about how to stay on-track with your Invisalign treatment or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (484) 559-6094.