Both you and your teen were excited when they started their Invisalign treatment, but now that school is starting, you’re feeling nervous. Will they remember to take out their trays when they’re supposed to? Will they keep them clean? Can they avoid losing their trays altogether? As a parent, it’s natural for you to worry about these things, but a few easy tips can give you peace of mind while ensuring your teen stays on track toward their straight smile.
Always Bring their Invisalign Carrying Case
The most common way Invisalign trays “disappear” is that someone takes them out to eat and sets them on the table, and then they accidentally end up getting thrown away. An easy way to avoid this is to make sure your teen takes their Invisalign case with them to school every day, and their trays should ONLY go in it when they are not being worn. When doing the morning check to see if they have all the books, pencils, and other supplies they require, be sure to include their Invisalign case on the list!
Pack An On-the-Go Dental Hygiene Kit
The typical recommendation is that people should brush their teeth twice a day and floss once, but for people with Invisalign, it’s better to clean their teeth after every meal and snack. That’s because the trays can trap leftover food and harmful bacteria against the teeth, leading to an increased risk of cavities and persistent bad breath. Including a travel-sized toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, and maybe even mouthwash that fit into your child’s bag should make it easy for them to take care of their teeth and trays between classes. This will not only safeguard their health, but they’ll also enjoy a confidence boost from having a pristine smile at all times!
Invisalign-Friendly Lunches
A patient can eat whatever they like while using Invisalign, but when packing your child’s lunch, it’s best to limit any particularly sweet or sticky foods. This will lower the amount of leftover sugar on their teeth after meals that can end up stuck between their teeth and trays, plus this is good advice for their oral health in general.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Panic—Call Their Dentist!
Of course, even with all the preparation and forethought in the world, kids will be kids. If a tray ends up being “stolen” or damaged, there’s no need to lose your cool. Most Invisalign treatments (especially ones made for teens) include replacement trays, and you can always call their dentist to see if they can use an old tray or skip ahead to the next one. Little bumps in the road like this are expected, but between these tips and your dentist, it should be smooth sailing toward your child’s new smile.
About the Practice
Dr. Krysten Jackson and Dr. Eric Parsons are El Reno family dentists who graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Dr. Jackson attended the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program there, one of the most elite residencies in the country, and Dr. Parsons consistently trains to use the latest technology so he can offer the most advanced methods of treatment. They have used Invisalign to help plenty of teens and adults get the straight smiles they’ve always wanted, and they are happy to offer advice to make the treatment easier. To learn more about Invisalign or schedule a consultation at El Reno Family Dentistry, click here.