Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year, but if you’re currently wearing Invisalign, you may be worried that trick-or-treating, candy bowls, and costume parties are all off the table due to your treatment. Thankfully, this isn’t the case at all! You can still enjoy Halloween and all of spooky season to the fullest while straightening your smile, as long as you adhere to your treatment guidelines and make smart choices. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
Always Take Your Aligners Out Before Snacking
One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that the trays are removable, but that also means it’s tempting to snack with them still in. However, you should never do this, not even if it’s just a small piece of candy! Eating or drinking anything besides water while wearing your clear aligners can crack or warp their plastic, not to mention food particles can become trapped underneath them, where they’ll remain for hours and quietly increase your risk of cavities. Always remove your aligners before snacking, and always rinse your mouth before placing them back in.
Carefully Keep Track of Your Wear Time
Between all of the costume parties, school events, trick-or-treating, or hours spent decorating, it’s easy to lose track of time and leave your aligners out longer than you should. Remember, Invisalign trays need to be worn 20 to 22 hours each day to keep your treatment plan on schedule. Set a phone reminder if needed, use a wear time tracking app, or ask a loved one to help you stay diligent. You can also aim to plan snacks around mealtime, so you aren’t constantly removing your aligners.
Keep Up with Oral Hygiene on the Go
It wouldn’t be realistic to expect you to pause in the middle of trick-or-treating or leave a party to go home and brush your teeth as soon as you eat a piece of candy, but there are ways to keep your oral hygiene routine on track during busy times like Halloween season. Pack a small, travel-sized kit that contains a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, orthodontic wax, and your aligner case, at the very least. This will allow you to maintain a clean smile no matter where your Halloween plans are taking you.
The bottom line is, with a bit of planning, you can fully enjoy Halloween while keeping your Invisalign treatment right on track!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Zajac, Dr. Yang, and Dr. Aly, our team here at Winthrop Street Dentistry has served the needs of patients and families in Worcester and the surrounding New England community for several years. We offer a wide range of services, including Invisalign clear aligners as a smile-straightening alternative to metal braces. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an Invisalign consultation for yourself or a loved one, you can reach out online or call today to learn more or get started. Telephone: (508) 756-0990.