Sedation Clinics
Summertime is quickly coming to an end, which means the first day of school is right around the corner! Are you worried about your child’s return to the classroom? If you have an Invisalign teen, you might be wondering how you can ensure they’re following their treatment throughout the day. While you can’t supervise them, there are many other ways you can help them stick to the program. Read on for some back-to-school tips to help your teenager stay on track.
Pack a Soft-Food Lunch
Unlike traditional metal braces, there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign treatment. While that’s certainly an attractive benefit, the clear aligners can still make it difficult for your teen to enjoy certain foods. The plastic trays apply gentle pressure to shift teeth into their new positions, which can make the teeth and gums feel sore. If your child complains about discomfort, consider packing them a lunch with soft foods like yogurt, oatmeal, soup, and smoothies.
Consider an Aligner Remover Tool
Removing the clear aligners can prevent your Invisalign teen from eating at school. Shortly after starting a new tray cycle, they may have trouble taking out their trays because they fit tightly. Fortunately, an aligner removal tool may be exactly what they need! It’ll make the process of removing trays quick and painless.
Make an Oral Hygiene Kit
Everyone must practice good oral hygiene, especially those undergoing Invisalign treatment. It’s incredibly important for your teen to brush and floss after every meal and snack. Otherwise, food particles can build up, leading to an increased risk of cavities and decay. You can help your child stay on top of their game by making an oral hygiene kit that contains travel-sized essentials like a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss.
How to Help Your Teen Overcome Common Wear-Time Barriers
For successful treatment, your teen must commit to wearing their Invisalign aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Let’s take a look at some common wear-time barriers and how you can help your teen overcome them:
- Speech Impediments: It’s incredibly normal for patients to develop a temporary lisp or another impediment when starting Invisalign treatment. You can help your teen overcome these changes by encouraging them to speak and giving pointers to improve their speech.
- Bad Breath and Dry Mouth: Encourage your teen to drink plenty of water, clean their teeth after every meal, and chew sugar-free mints. These practices will help keep these symptoms at bay.
- Discomfort: Your teen may feel discomfort after starting a new tray cycle. They can find relief by using dental wax and rinsing their mouth with peroxide-based mouthwash to soothe mouth sores.
Is your Invisalign teen ready for the school year? Before it begins, brush up on the tips outlined above to help them feel confident and ready to power through their treatment on their own!
About the Practice
At Dental Wellness of Lexington, we strive to deliver quality dental care in a clean, relaxing, and comfortable environment. Our team is passionate about providing exceptional dental care that’s guaranteed to leave you smiling after every appointment. For more back-to-school tips, visit our website or call (859) 223-4644.