How to Keep Your Invisalign Invisible During the Holidays

St. Paul, MN – You love wearing Invisalign because the plastic aligners provide near-transparency, allowing you to look like your usual self while you straighten your teeth.
The alternative is to wear metal braces, which will most certainly alter your appearance.

With Invisalign, you can hide the fact that you’re improving your smile. However, when it comes to the holidays, you might want to be a little proactive so that your aligners remain invisible through the New Year.

Holiday Feasts and Aligner Staining

Aside from near-transparency, another notable benefit of wearing Invisalign is that you can take the aligners out to eat meals. This becomes especially handy during the holidays when you seem to be bombarded by delicious food everywhere you turn.

With Invisalign, you can eat to your heart’s content, because the moment you’re finished you can put your aligner trays back in.

But not so fast. All that delicious food and drink can quickly stain your aligner trays unless you first clean out your mouth before putting your Invisalign aligners back in. Your doctor recommends that you carry a travel toothbrush, tube of toothpaste and floss kit with you at all times.

For best results, your doctor recommends that you swish with water after meals to dislodge any food particles that may have become lodged between your teeth. Then brush thoroughly, making sure that there are no particles on your toothbrush when you’re done. If you see particles stuck in the bristles, repeat your brushing routine until your mouth is clean.
Flossing will further clean the spaces between your teeth and will be your final defense against aligner staining that can happen during the holidays if you’re not careful.

Foods to Avoid

While you shouldn’t deprive yourself of any treats during the holidays, you might want to go easy on any foods that are uncommonly sticky, chewy or hard. Corn on the cob, popcorn, taffy, and crunchy candy can get stuck to and between your teeth, making it tough to keep your mouth clean. To make your oral routine quick and easy, choose foods that are easily chewed and not too sugar-laden, and you should be able to get through the busiest time of the year with spotless aligner trays.

Eat and Drink to Your Heart’s Content

The holidays are a time for family, friends, good food and great times. Eat, drink and be merry, and make sure you enjoy yourself. But if you hope to keep your Invisalign aligners as clear as possible while treatment is ongoing, develop a quick oral routine you can perform while you’re at home or out and about. With a little care and a lot of brushing and flossing, you’ll continue to look your best while wearing Invisalign to develop the killer smile you crave.

If you’re just considering Invisalign and want to give yourself the gift of a new smile this holiday season, schedule a consultation with an ORTHODONTIST today.

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