With summer coming to an end, it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming school year. Some parents might be celebrating because their kids are returning to school – except those with an Invisalign teen. If you’re that parent, you might be looking for ways to make sure they stick to treatment while away from home. Luckily, here are some back-to-school tips you can follow to help your children stay on track.
Eating at School
Unlike traditional metal braces, there are no dietary restrictions during Invisalign treatment. However, the clear aligners can still make it difficult to eat certain foods. For instance, when your teen starts a new tray cycle, their teeth and gums might feel sore and discourage them from eating.
If your child complains about soreness and discomfort, consider packing them a lunch with soft foods, such as plain yogurt, oatmeal, soup, and smoothies. These nutritious foods are easy to consume and will keep their mouths and bellies happy!
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing are critical for maintaining good oral health, especially for those with Invisalign. Remind your teen that they must brush and floss their teeth after each meal, just before putting their clear aligners back in their mouth. Otherwise, food particles can get trapped between their teeth and trays and cause plaque buildup or cavities.
To help your teen stay on top of their dental care, prepare an oral hygiene travel kit they can stash in their backpack. Fill it with travel-sized essentials like a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and dental floss. Having their necessities within arm’s reach will make it much easier for them to stay on track.
Overcoming Wear-Time Barriers
Invisalign’s clear aligners use constant, gentle pressure to shift teeth into their final position. For treatment to be successful, your teen must wear the plastic trays for the full recommended wear time (20 to 22 hours). But some common wear-time barriers might discourage your child from wearing them as required. Here’s how to help them overcome these hurdles.
Speech Impediments
It’s normal for patients to develop a slight lisp when wearing clear aligners for the first time. Even though it’s only temporary and goes away rather quickly, it can still be embarrassing for teenagers. You can help your child overcome any speech impediments by encouraging them to practice at home. Listen to them speak and either tell them to slow down or practice the enunciation of words and sounds that trigger the impediment.
Bad Breath, Dry Mouth
While there is no cure for bad breath and dry mouth, several remedies can help manage those symptoms. Tell your teen to drink plenty of water, brush and floss after every meal, scrape their tongue, and chew sugar-free gums or mints.
Discomfort
One of the most common wear-time barriers is pain and discomfort, which happens from wearing new trays. Your teen can alleviate discomfort by using dental wax and rinsing their mouth with peroxide-based mouthwash to soothe mouth sores.
Go over these tips and tricks with your teen to help them stay on track with treatment during the school year. It’ll help them feel confident, well-informed, and prepared to power through their smile journey on their own!
About the Practice
Our team at Prime Dentistry will help every member of your family achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. We offer comprehensive services and flexible hours so you can bring your children in for dental care after school – they’ll never have to miss an important lesson or exam again! For more back-to-school tips for your Invisalign teen, visit our website or call (940) 514-0333 to speak to an expert.
