Do you remember how many hours you need to wear your Invisalign daily? It may be more than you think! Invisalign patients need to wear their aligners for at least 20 hours every day (ideally 22 hours), which can become a real challenge during the holidays. After all, the aligners must be removed before eating or drinking (which are two main activities of the holiday season).
Fortunately, Bristol Dental Clinic, your Mississauga orthodontist, has a few tips on how you can keep up with your Invisalign treatment, even during this busy time of year. That way, you can stay on track with your treatment and enjoy all the season’s merrymaking.
To learn more about how you can stay on top of your Invisalign treatment in Mississauga while still enjoying the holiday festivities, keep reading ahead.
1. Make a plan so you meet the required wear-time every day
For most of our patients, the holidays are the most challenging time of year for their Invisalign treatment. Between all the travelling, family gatherings, big holiday dinners, and an endless stream of festive beverages, meeting the required 20–22 hours of wear-time can feel like mission impossible. However daunting the task, it’s important that you rise to the occasion.
Orthodontists don’t pull the 20-hour minimum wear-time out of thin air, after all—it’s backed by research. You must wear your Invisalign aligners for a minimum of 20 hours per day to stay on track with your treatment. Your teeth will only move into the desired positions with consistent, albeit subtle, pressure.
Wearing the aligners for less than 20 hours daily does not apply sufficient pressure onto your teeth. Treatment stalls. The end-date for your Invisalign treatment is pushed back. The delays are not worth an extra cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine.
Over the holidays, you have to be extra intentional when it comes to your Invisalign treatment. It’s a good idea to make a daily plan to ensure that you reach the 20 hours of total wear-time.
If there’s a big holiday gathering scheduled for the evening, then make sure you wear your Invisalign for as long as possible beforehand. That way, you free up a longer window for a break in the evening.
Once the potatoes start getting passed around and the beverages start flowing, you are going to be tempted to keep your Invisalign out for longer. However, you have to stay committed to your plan. Set a reminder or alarm on your phone so you don’t forget when it’s time to put your trays back in.
2. Put together an oral health travel kit with your Invisalign essentials
Neglecting your oral health or falling behind on your Invisalign treatment can be as easy as forgetting to pack a toothbrush or Invisalign cleaner. We suggest assembling a separate oral health travel kit to keep in your overnight bag or car. That way, it’s impossible to forget, even in the chaos of packing for a holiday getaway. You may forget your brother-in-law’s present, but at least you’ll have your toothbrush!
Keeping your Invisalign trays clean is an important part of your treatment. Although you only wear a pair of trays for two weeks, poor cleanliness is directly correlated with poor oral hygiene. You can accelerate the development of cavities by wearing dirty trays, which will affect your treatment as well as your oral health.
Therefore, pack something to soak your Invisalign trays in (either Invisalign cleaning crystals or “Steraligner”), a separate soft-bristled toothbrush for cleaning your trays, and a case.
3. Keep your Invisalign storage case with you
You should keep an Invisalign storage case with you at all times, even if you’re only going out for hot chocolate or dinner at a restaurant. After all, Invisalign trays must be removed before eating or drinking.
Placing the trays inside their designated case prevents them from getting lost and protects them from bacteria. Invisalign aligners are clear, so they blend in with tablecloths and napkins very easily.
Many of our patients have left their Invisalign trays on a napkin, only to have their Invisalign thrown away with the napkin. Don’t make that mistake! Always put your Invisalign trays back into their case.
Invisalign cases are airtight containers, designed to keep bacteria out. This is crucial for keeping your trays clean and your teeth healthy. Since Invisalign aligners hug your teeth tightly, bacteria is a big problem. You’re effectively trapping bacteria next to your teeth for hours at a time.
4. Don’t skip your check-in visits with your Mississauga orthodontist
When you start your Invisalign journey with Bristol Dental Clinic, you will visit our orthodontist in Mississauga every four to six weeks throughout your treatment. This gives us a chance to check your progress and pick up a new set of trays. It’s possible one of these appointments will fall during the holiday period. Although we do not expect you to come in on Christmas (we won’t be there either!), it is important that you visit us on schedule.
Please let us know if you are going to be out of town for the holidays, so we can book your next appointment appropriately. We’re happy to work with your schedule to ensure that you don’t miss a vital appointment. You need to switch to a new set of trays on time; otherwise, you will fall behind on your treatment.
Choose Bristol Dental Clinic for Invisalign Treatment in Mississauga
At Bristol Dental Clinic, we are a top provider of orthodontic treatment in Mississauga. In fact, we have a highly experienced Gold Medal dentist who specializes in orthodontics.
We are proud to offer Invisalign treatment at an affordable price, so everyone can enjoy a straighter, more attractive smile. Furthermore, you can pay interest-free installments throughout your treatment. We also work with your insurance provider whenever possible.
Contact us today to book your consultation for Invisalign in Mississauga and experience the highest standard of oral care at Bristol Dental Clinic. We combine the latest technology, highly experienced dental professionals, and a comfortable clinic environment!
To book an appointment with an orthodontist in Mississauga, call Bristol Dental Clinic at 866-673-2109 or contact us here.
