How to Avoid Invisalign® Emergencies During the Holidays
The holiday season brings travel, celebrations, and delicious meals, but it can also create challenges if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. Fortunately, a little preparation goes a long way in helping you enjoy the festivities without disrupting your progress. With guidance from our Invisalign® orthodontist in Coralville and Iowa City, IA, you can keep your smile on track and avoid unnecessary aligner issues during the holidays.
Keep Track of Your Aligners While Traveling
Travel is one of the most common times when people accidentally lose or damage their Invisalign aligners. Whether you are flying, road tripping, or staying with family, always store your aligners in their protective case. Avoid wrapping them in napkins, placing them in your pocket, or setting them on a table, as these are the situations where aligners most frequently get thrown away or stepped on.
If you are moving to a new soon, pack the next set as well as your current one. Also bring your previous set just in case something happens and you need a backup. Keeping all three sets together ensures you can manage an emergency even if you are far from home.
Maintain Your Routine No Matter How Busy the Holidays Get
Holiday schedules tend to be full of events, meals, and travel, which makes it easy to fall out of your normal routine. However, wearing your clear orthodontic aligners for the recommended number of hours each day is essential to avoid delays in treatment. Set reminders on your phone if needed to help you stay consistent.
Continue brushing your teeth after meals whenever possible to avoid trapping food particles inside your Invisalign aligners. If you cannot brush right away, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water before putting the aligners back in. This simple step helps prevent odors, discomfort, and staining.
Be Mindful of Holiday Treats and Beverages
Unlike braces, clear aligners allow you to enjoy all your favorite holiday foods, but you must remove them before eating or drinking anything besides water. Sugary beverages like cider, hot chocolate, and festive cocktails can stain your aligners if worn while sipping. Even worse, they may trap sugar against your teeth and increase the risk of cavities.
If you plan to indulge in holiday treats, enjoy them while your Invisalign clear aligners are out and be sure to clean your teeth before putting the aligners back in. Keeping to your normal routine will help protect both your teeth and your treatment.
Create a Holiday Invisalign Care Kit
Packing a small, portable care kit helps you stay prepared no matter where the holidays take you. Include items such as your aligner case, travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash, and a pack of floss or floss picks. If you experience minor irritation, orthodontic wax can also help relieve sore spots caused by aligner edges.
Bringing your care kit along to gatherings or on trips ensures you never have to compromise your just because you are away from home.
Know When to Contact Our Orthodontist
Even with the best planning, aligner issues can still happen. If your aligner cracks, warps, or becomes uncomfortable, do not panic. Often, switching to the next set or temporarily returning to the previous set can offer a solution. However, you should always reach out for professional guidance if you are unsure of the best next step.
Schedule Your Next Orthodontic Visit
A little preparation makes it easy to enjoy a smooth and stress free holiday season. For personalized recommendations and dependable support, trust our Top 1% VIP Diamond Plus , to help you protect your smile during the holidays and beyond. Call one of our Mergen Orthodontics locations or request an appointment online to get started.