The school year is starting up again, and while it's always exciting to get back into the rhythm of school, many of our patients are heading back to school with
Invisalign Teen this year. Going back to school with Invisalign takes some getting used to, but thankfully, there's plenty you can do to help manage the transition. As your dedicated family orthodontist in Gaithersburg and Kentlands/Lakelands, we strive to be a resource for every part of the orthodontic treatment process – so here are
Dr. Charles Harrington's tips on heading back to school with Invisalign Teen.
Tips for Going Back to School with Invisalign Teen
If you're starting the school year with Invisalign Teen this year, there are a few adjustments you'll need to make to ensure treatment runs smoothly. Because
Invisalign is removable, it's somewhat more convenient than going back to school with
braces, but there are still important things to keep in mind. Here are our top tips for returning to school with Invisalign Teen:
Brush Relentlessly: You can remove your aligners to eat during recess and lunch, which means you won't have to worry about avoiding foods in the school cafeteria. But that's a double-edged sword: if you put your aligners back in without brushing your teeth, you're effectively trapping leftover food particles between the aligners and the teeth. This is a ripe environment for bacteria and decay. To counteract this, it's vital to brush your teeth after consuming anything except water, and to brush your aligners and teeth anytime you take them out or put them back in.
Make a Care Kit: A great strategy for maintaining your Invisalign at school is to create a travel-sized "Invisalign Care Kit" you can keep in your backpack or locker. Include a small toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and anything else you might need to care for your aligners or teeth. This will make it easier to brush regularly and take good care of your orthodontic appliances.
Use Your Case: One of the biggest dangers for returning to school with Invisalign Teen is losing your aligners, and trust us: this is far more common than you may think! The best way to prevent losing your aligners is to use the specialized case we give you at the beginning of your treatment. Take the approach that your aligners are only ever in one of two places: either in your mouth or in the case. This will prevent you from wrapping them in a napkin and accidentally throwing them out.
Schedule a Consultation for Invisalign Teen in Gaithersburg
While taking care of your Invisalign will require a bit more effort once school is in session, it's well worth it to ensure smooth treatment. If you have more questions about Invisalign Teen, feel free to reach out to us at our contact page, and don't hesitate to request an appointment online if you'd like to pursue a new smile for yourself. We can't wait to hear from you, and we wish you a happy, healthy, Invisalign-friendly school year!