Back-to-School Tips for Your Invisalign Teen

Summer is quickly coming to an end, which means the first day of school is right around the corner. While most parents are excited that their children are returning to the classroom, others might be concerned. If you have an Invisalign teen, you’re probably the latter. After all, if they aren’t under your supervision, how can you ensure they follow their treatment during the day? Luckily, there are many ways you can make sure they stick with the program. Read on for a few back-to-school tips to help your child stay on track.  

Pack a Lunch with Soft Foods

As opposed to traditional metal braces, there are no dietary restrictions during Invisalign treatment. While this is certainly an attractive benefit for teenagers, the clear aligners can make it challenging to enjoy certain foods. Each time your teen starts a new tray cycle, their teeth and gums might feel sore and discourage them from eating. If your child complains about sore or sensitive teeth, consider packing them a lunch with soft foods that are easy on their aligners! Yogurt, oatmeal, soup, and smoothies are excellent options that will keep their mouth and belly happy.

Consider an Aligner Removal Tool

The challenge of removing the clear aligners can prevent your teen from eating at school. It’s usually most difficult shortly after starting a new tray cycle when the aligners fit the tightest. If your teen is having trouble with removal, consider getting them an aligner removal tool. It will make the process of removing trays prompt and painless!

Prepare an Oral Hygiene Kit

All teenagers must practice good oral hygiene, but it’s especially important for those wearing Invisalign. Your teen must remember to brush and floss their teeth after every meal and snack. Otherwise, food particles can get trapped between their teeth and trays and lead to plaque buildup or cavities. Help your teen maintain a clean mouth by packing them an oral care kit that contains travel-sized essentials, such as a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss. They can stash it in their backpack and have it within arm’s reach whenever they need it!

Help Your Teen Overcome Common Wear-Time Barriers

For Invisalign treatment to be successful, your teen must meet the daily recommended wear time of 20 to 22 hours. Here’s how to help them overcome common wear-time barriers:

• Speech Impediments – After starting treatment, your teen might experience a slight lisp or another speech impediment. It’s only temporary, but it can still be embarrassing for teens. Help them overcome any impediments by encouraging them to speak and giving pointers to improve their speech.
• Bad Breath and Dry Mouth – To keep these symptoms at bay, tell your teen to drink plenty of water, brush and floss after every meal, clean their tongue, and chew sugar-free mints.
• Discomfort – Each time your teen starts a new tray cycle, they might feel discomfort. They can find relief by using dental wax and rinsing their mouth with peroxide-based mouthwash to soothe mouth sores.

Before school starts, go over the tips outlined above with your Invisalign teen. It’ll help them feel confident and ready to power through their treatment on their own!

About the Author

Dr. Marco Caballeros earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. He advocates for compassionate dentistry, believing that the dental care he provides should be as good as the care he’d want to receive. Dr. Caballero enjoys educating his patients to help them make informed and confident decisions about their dental care. If you’d like more back-to-school tips for your Invisalign teen, visit our website or call (469) 476-4092.