Now that summer is over, it’s time for your teen to head back to school. Amid the hustle and bustle of gathering school supplies and organizing transportation for them, you’ll also need to help them keep up with their Invisalign treatment. The last thing you’d want is for them to get off track with their progress during the semester. To avoid this, here are four tips to help your teen with Invisalign throughout the school year!
Tip #1: Encourage Solid Oral Hygiene
One of the most essential parts of any orthodontic treatment is to maintain proper oral hygiene. If your teen develops a cavity or other dental health issue, it could set back their Invisalign process timeline much further than expected. For this reason, you’ll want to ensure that they brush after every meal, floss at least once a day, and visit their dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. Make sure your teen also cleans off their clear aligners to remove debris, food particles, and plaque that can harm their pearly whites.
Tip #2: Get Them a Brightly Colored Storage Case
A major reason teens can sometimes fall off track with their Invisalign treatment is due to misplacing their trays. To prevent this, you can buy a brightly colored storage case that would be hard for anyone to miss. Have them place their clear aligners in this item each time they remove them, that way they won’t accidentally throw them away or break them.
Tip #3: Pack Their Meal with Soft Foods
Your teen may experience some soreness during their Invisalign process, especially when changing to a new set of clear aligners. One way to avoid irritating their teeth and gums is for them to munch on a softer-food diet. If you tend to pack their lunch, be sure to keep away from hard or crunchy foods, like apples and hard bread. Instead, send them with treats that are easier to chew, such as hard-boiled eggs, soft fruits, applesauce, and oatmeal for a nutritious and smile-friendly meal.
Tip #4: Help Them Reduce Their Discomfort
Since your teen’s teeth will be gradually shifting into more ideal positions, they may feel mildly sore and uncomfortable during their treatment. When having them switch to their next set of trays, make sure they transition to the new aligners before bed. This will allow them to sleep straight through the most uncomfortable part of the adjustment process. You should also encourage your teen to drink cool water during the day and to take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate any discomfort.
While Invisalign can effectively and discreetly straighten your teen’s smile, it can be difficult to maintain progress without a plan in place. By practicing these essential tips, you can ensure that they stay on track with their treatment process throughout the school year!
About the Author
Dr. James A. Moreau is a member of several groups like the Louisiana Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. He received his dental degree from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and has over four decades under his belt. He provides a wide selection of high-quality and comprehensive services, including Invisalign. If you’d like to know more about helping your teen keep up with their Invisalign, visit his website or call 985-809-7645.