The Importance of Choosing the Right Invisalign® Orthodontist
Heading back to school is a busy time filled with new schedules, activities, classes, and routines. For students wearing Invisalign® Teen or Invisalign First™ , the school year also brings the opportunity to build healthy habits that keep treatment on track. At Mergen Orthodontics, our Invisalign orthodontist in Coralville and Iowa City, IA, helps students feel confident managing their aligners at school, during lunch, and throughout after-school activities.
Wear Your Aligners as Directed
One of the most important Invisalign tips for students is to wear aligners for the recommended amount of time each day. In most cases, this means 20 to 22 hours daily.
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, it can be tempting to leave them out after lunch, during sports, or while hanging out with friends. However, not wearing aligners consistently can slow progress and extend treatment time.
A good rule is to remove aligners only for eating, drinking anything besides water, brushing, and flossing.
Keep a Case with You
Never wrap Invisalign clear aligners in a napkin or place them loose in a backpack, lunch tray, or pocket. That is one of the easiest ways to lose or damage them.
Students should keep their Invisalign case in their backpack, locker, or lunch bag so they always have a safe place to store aligners during meals. Getting into this habit early can prevent stressful situations and help avoid delays in treatment.
Pack a Small Oral Hygiene Kit
Brushing after lunch helps keep teeth clean before putting aligners back in place. A small school kit can make this much easier.
Consider packing a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and aligner case. Students who cannot brush immediately after eating should rinse their mouth with water and brush as soon as possible.
Good oral hygiene helps prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped between the teeth and aligners.
Plan for Lunch and Snacks
allows students to enjoy their favorite foods because the aligners are removed before eating. Unlike braces, there are no brackets or wires to avoid.
However, students should remember to put aligners back in after meals and snacks. Setting a phone reminder or building the habit into a lunch routine can help.
It is also best to avoid sipping sugary drinks while wearing aligners. Water is the safest choice throughout the school day.
Be Prepared for Sports and Activities
Students involved in sports, band, theater, or other activities can still succeed with . Depending on the activity, aligners may be worn as usual or removed temporarily.
For contact sports, students may need to remove aligners and wear a protective mouthguard instead. Always follow the orthodontist’s instructions to protect both your teeth and your treatment progress.
Stay on Schedule with Appointments
The school year can get hectic, but regular Invisalign checkups are important. These visits allow the orthodontist to monitor progress, answer questions, and provide the next sets of aligners.
Parents and students can help by scheduling appointments around school events, practices, and exams whenever possible.
Start the School Year with Confidence
Invisalign can be a great option for students because it is discreet, removable, and easy to fit into daily life. With the right habits, students can stay on track while enjoying school, sports, meals, and social activities.
Book Your Child’s Invisalign Appointment
If your child is starting Invisalign or needs help managing treatment during the school year, Mergen Orthodontics is here to help. Our Invisalign orthodontist in Coralville and Iowa City, IA, can provide personalized tips to make treatment easier from the first bell to the final day of school. Contact us today!