Invisalign works best when the aligners stay in for 20 to 22 hours each day, and during the summertime, that’s simple enough to manage at home. But during the school year, teens are much busier, meaning it’s far easier to fall behind when it comes to wearing their Invisalign. That said, things aren’t entirely hopeless. Here are some must-know tips for helping your teen keep their Invisalign treatment on track as the school year kicks off.
Tip #1. Pack an Invisalign Kit
Teens are away from home for a good portion of the day during the school week, and they might not have everything they need to keep their treatment going smoothly. A small kit with a spare aligner case, a travel toothbrush, and a few dental floss picks makes it much easier for your teen to clean up after lunch without feeling rushed or self-conscious. This kit should also include their Invisalign case; their aligners should always be stored in it any time they come out!
Tip #2. Set Reminders to Help with Wear Time
Wearing the aligners for most of the day—except for during meals and oral hygiene—is what ensures that they’re able to do their job. While at school or busy with extracurriculars, it’s easy for teens to lose track of time while their aligners are out. A simple phone alarm or watch timer can be very useful in these situations; there are even apps designed for this!
Tip #3. Plan Ahead for Sports & Instruments
Certain sports, outdoor games, and playing wind instruments both require a little extra thought and preparation when it comes to Invisalign. During contact sports in which your teen needs a mouthguard, they’ll need to remove their aligners in order to prevent them from being damaged—and so that their mouthguard fits correctly. Then after the game or practice, their Invisalign needs to go back in. The same modified approach can be used for playing an instrument during practice or events.
The bottom line is, when it comes to Invisalign, a few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your teen’s treatment on schedule during the busiest part of the school year!
About the Practice
Here at Pinnacle Dental, we’ve proudly served the needs of families in Braintree and the nearby communities for several years. With Dr. Veronika Gogiia leading our team, we offer a wide range of treatments, including Invisalign for teens. If you have any questions or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your teen, feel free to reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (781) 843-7905.
