Whether you’re going out of town for the holidays or staying home, the hustle and bustle that comes with the last few weeks of the year can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important that you are proactive about staying on-track with your Invisalign treatment! Otherwise, you can add weeks or months to your timeline, postponing your results even further. Don’t worry – there are a few simple steps that will help you enjoy the holiday season with Invisalign. Read on to learn what they are!

Tip #1: Keep Travel-Sized Oral Hygiene Essentials With You

To keep your trays clean and your teeth healthy, you need to brush and floss your teeth after each meal. In other words, even if you’re eating breakfast at the airport, grabbing lunch on the side of the freeway, or enjoying dinner at a loved one’s house, you need to complete your oral hygiene regimen. To make this task a bit easier, keep a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash with you!

Tip #2: Don’t Forget the Case for Your Aligners

Remember, if you leave your trays out on the table or wrapped up in a napkin, there’s a good chance that they’ll get tossed in the garbage. So, it’s always a good idea to place them in their designated storage case instead. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse them with clean, cool water before and after!

Tip #3: Wear Your Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day

Perhaps the most important rule of Invisalign treatment is that you need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day. One of the easiest ways to stay on-track with this goal is by downloading the Invisalign app and tracking your wear time. This simple step can go a long way in keeping your teeth tracking properly.

Tip #4: Clean Your Aligners Each Morning and Evening

Just like it’s important to clean your teeth, it’s important to clean your aligners. That starts with rinsing them thoroughly with clean, cool water each time you take them out and using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub each surface twice a day. If your trays need an even deeper clean, then use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit!

About the Doctor

Dr. James Olsen’s career in dentistry began back in 1988, which is when he graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Since then, he has prioritized continuing education and training with world-renowned institutions like the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Plus, he earned his Invisalign® Certification in 2008 and has maintained an active membership with several professional organizations over the years, including the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA). If you have a question for him about Invisalign, don’t hesitate to visit his website or call (734) 996-0200.