Spooky season is here! Since the next few weeks will be filled with pumpkin pie, candy, caramel apples, and other sweet treats, you might be wondering how to stay on-track with your Invisalign treatment during Halloween. Good news: all you have to do is read on for some helpful tips!
Tip #1: Don’t Consume Added Sugar in Excess
With aisles of Halloween candy at every store and a candy bowl at your office, it might seem like an impossible task to cut back on added sugar during spooky season. However, it’s important when it comes to both your oral health and your Invisalign treatment. After all, if you develop a cavity – even a small one – your treatment plan will be put on hold until you get the restorative care you need.
Tip #2: Eat Halloween Candy with Your Meals, Not Separately
When you do indulge in a piece or two, enjoy it with your lunch or dinner. During mealtimes, your saliva production increases, helping rinse away food particles, plaque, and other debris from your mouth. Plus, you’ll be brushing your teeth afterward anyway, which ensures that the sugars don’t linger on your teeth for long.
Tip #3: Wear Your Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day
Year-round, it’s crucial that you wear your aligners as much as possible. After all, they only work to move your teeth while you’re wearing them! The good news is that many spooky season activities – from picking apples and carving pumpkins to going through haunted houses – don’t require you to remove your trays.
Bonus tip: If you’re having trouble keeping track of your wear time, try using the Invisalign app!
Tip #4: Make Sure to Brush and Floss Consistently
Every once in a while, you may forget to brush or floss. That’s okay – accidents happen! It’s important, however, that you don’t make this a habit, especially around a candy-filled holiday like Halloween. To keep your teeth decay-free and your gums infection-free, it’s crucial that you implement a solid oral hygiene regimen, visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning biannually, and avoid unhealthy habits, like chewing on ice.
Tip #5: Don’t Drink Anything Other Than Water with Your Aligners In
From pumpkin spice lattes to festive red wines, there are lots of delicious beverages that make their debut this time of year. While you can certainly indulge every now and again, you must always remove your aligners first. If you don’t, they will discolor, and your teeth will be at risk of decaying. In short, the only thing you can drink with your trays in is water – even during the holidays.
About the Practice
Buckhead Orthodontics is a top-rated orthodontic office in Atlanta that offers a comprehensive range of teeth-straightening treatments, including Invisalign. To ensure that you have the exceptional experience you deserve, they provide comprehensive exams and custom treatment plans. Plus, they are always available to answer any questions you have along the way! If you want to learn more about how to navigate life with braces, visit their website or call (404) 697-7497.