As the new school year kicks off, your teen’s focus will be on classes, friends, and extracurricular activities. But if they’re wearing Invisalign, keeping their orthodontic treatment on track can become difficult as things get chaotic. Continue reading to find some practical tips to help your teens manage their Invisalign treatment at school.
Keep a Case Close
One of the biggest challenges with Invisalign is making sure aligners don’t get lost. Encourage your teens to always keep their Invisalign case with them, especially during lunch or between classes. It’s easy for aligners to be wrapped in a napkin and accidentally thrown away or dropped in transit. So, having a designated spot for them can prevent this from happening.
Set a Timer for Wear Time
Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day to be effective. With a busy school schedule, it’s easy for your teens to forget to put their aligners back in after lunch or sports practice. Help them set a reminder on their phone to ensure they’re wearing their aligners throughout the day. This may require a little bit of pre-planning and schedule adjusting, but the results will be worth it.
Pack a Personal Cleaning Kit
Keeping aligners clean is extremely important for oral health and preventing bad breath. Equip your teen with a small, portable cleaning kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. They can use it after lunch to give their teeth and aligners a quick clean before popping them back in.
Be Snack Savvy
Snacking at school can be tricky with Invisalign since the aligners need to be removed before eating. Encourage your teens to choose snacks that are quick and easy to eat so they can minimize the time their aligners are off. Remind them to brush their teeth or at least rinse their mouth and aligners with water before putting them back in.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water throughout the day is a great habit for anyone, but it’s especially important for teens with Invisalign. Water is the only drink they can have without removing their aligners. So, encourage them to carry a water bottle to stay hydrated. This will also help keep their mouths clean and fresh!
By following these tips, your teens can smoothly integrate their Invisalign treatment into their school schedule. With a little practice, they’ll be keeping their smile on track without missing a second of their studies.
About the Practice
Dr. Michael and Dr. Cristina Everson are passionate dental experts who work together to help their patients achieve incredible smiles. Whether your teenager needs general dentistry or orthodontic treatment, the combined expertise of our dental team can help them achieve a gorgeous grin. Call (404) 697-7497 to schedule an Invisalign consultation at Buckhead Orthodontics or visit our website to learn more.