Is your teenager going back to school with their Invisalign clear aligners in tow? You’re not crazy if you felt a twinge of worry in the pit of your stomach just now. The academic season can make it difficult for even the most disciplined highschoolers to stay on top of their treatment. Not to mention high-impact sports can smash trays – or cut down on wear-time in order to avoid smashing trays!
For some useful tips that’ll help you and your teenager power through first and second semester, keep reading.
Form Strong Oral Hygiene Habits
Brushing twice per day and flossing once per day is recommended no matter your orthodontic status. This is how you fight off harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease or tooth decay in your day-to-day, so it’s an important habit to stick to. Now, your Invisalign teen will have to do a bit of extra work if they want their aligners to stay transparent and avoid bad breath. Here’s what that should look like:
- Brushing Invisalign trays with a soft-bristled toothbrush and colorless toothpaste
- Cleaning them thoroughly between meals to remove staining food particles
- Soaking them in Invisalign cleaning crystals
- Rinsing their mouth when inserting or removing their aligners
Forming these habits before school starts can give your teen a head-start on their new routine!
Find Convenient Dental Tools
Your highschooler will have a hard time maintaining their Invisalign if they don’t have the right tools! Some equipment can even make life a little more convenient for them. Check out these examples:
- Keeping an extra tray case in their backpack at all times reduces their odds of forgetting it!
- Travel containers can keep their toothbrush and toothpaste clean and safe
- An Invisalign removal tool is designed for quick and easy tray removal
- Floss picks make this hygiene step a breeze
There are plenty of creative clear aligner tools out there, so don’t be afraid to have fun with it and see what you can find.
Got Sports? Consult with Your Dentist
The general rule of thumb for wearing Invisalign as an athlete is to remove the aligners if you’re required to wear a mouthguard. School mouthguards won’t fit well over them, and high-impact situations could very well result in tray damage. This will limit your teen’s wear-time, however, which could prolong their treatment. It’s best to consult with your dentist to determine how best to balance wearing Invisalign and keeping them safe from harm.
Your dentist can also give you and your teen more personalized tips and tricks for going back to school with Invisalign. They don’t vanish into thin air once classes start, so don’t forget to use them as a valuable dental resource!
About the Practice
Drs. Natalie J. and Ramon M. Ortiz are a fantastic husband-and-wife team. They have a knack for helping patients feel safe and comfortable in the patient’s chair, and Dr. Natalie has received special training with Invisalign aligners. Basically, you can trust that your teen’s orthodontic wellbeing is in good hands at Painted Skies Dental Center! To get in touch, call 575-521-8720.