Wedding invites, holiday parties, and birthday dinners don’t take a breather just because you're undergoing orthodontic treatment. The good news is that orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® is designed for real life. And, with a few simple tips, you can navigate your treatment in comfort and with confidence in the eventual results.
To get through social events while using Invisalign, take your aligners out to eat and drink anything but water, brush or rinse before putting them back, as before. You can also remove them momentarily for photos, though it’s worth noting that they are nearly invisible on camera.
Eating and Drinking at the Party
Aligners come out for meals and for anything other than water. Be especially careful with coffee, soda, wine, or any other adult beverage, which can stain your aligners and trap sugar and acid against your teeth. A party plan helps. Keep your case with you and slip the aligners into it when necessary, and put them back as soon as you’re finished. Try never to use a napkin, since they can get hidden and thrown away while tidying up.
Also, try to brush, or at least rinse your mouth out before reinserting them so any food and sugar don’t stay trapped against your teeth.
Smiling for the Camera
Because Invisalign aligners are made from clear, BPA-free plastic, they’re virtually invisible, so you can smile confidently in photos without a second thought. You may notice a slight shine or on some teeth, but they blend in well. If a special occasion calls for a picture without aligners, a brief removal is fine. Just make sure to adhere to your wear time of 20 to 22 hours a day.
A Few Habits That Make Events Easier
A little preparation makes every event easier:
- Carry your case, a travel toothbrush, and floss in your bag
- Keep spare aligners from your previous stage as a backup
- While aligners are in, skip the alcohol or sugary drinks, and sip water instead.
Seamless Smile Restoration with Invisalign in Scottsdale
If you’re in Scottsdale and want to learn more about living day-to-day with Invisalign without disrupting either your treatment or your daily routine, contact Dr. Saba Heday and the friendly, helpful Dynamite Smiles Dentistry team to schedule a consultation.