Tray Tips: How to Navigate the Holiday Season with Invisalign

Is this your first holiday season with Invisalign? If so, there are a few things you should know to help avoid hiccups, like misplacing your aligners. Don’t worry – you can find five helpful tips for staying on-track with your clear aligner treatment heading into 2024 right here!

1. Put Your Aligners in Their Case, Not in a Napkin

Although holiday traditions look a bit different for everyone, many of them revolve around food. If that’s the case for you, then make sure to rinse off your aligners in clean water and place them in their designated case prior to eating. If you place them in a napkin, they can easily get thrown away or misplaced!

2. Fill Your Plate with Vegetables First

Since the development of a cavity or gum disease can bring your teeth-straightening journey to a temporary stop, it’s important not to over-indulge on sugary treats. At first, this may seem like an impossible ask. However, small tweaks can make a huge difference, like filling your plate with vegetables first!

3. Brush and Floss After Each Meal

After eating all of your favorite foods, you may be tempted to stay at the table chatting with loved ones, playing games, and eating a bit more. Brushing and flossing right after you’re done eating is very important though! That way, you reduce your chances of developing a cavity and you can put your aligners back on.

4. Be Mindful of Your Wear Time

Since your aligners only work while you’re wearing them, you need to keep them on for 20-22 hours a day. This may seem relatively simple, but it can be a hard goal to reach during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season! That’s why we recommend using the tools you have to help, like setting a reminder on your phone.

5. Don’t Skip Your Check-in Visits

Whether you’re heading out of town, you have last-minute shopping to do, or you have to prepare an entire meal, you might find that you have a lot on your plate during the holidays. Even if that’s the case, you need to prioritize your check-in visits with your dentist. That way, they can see if your teeth are tracking properly and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

About the Doctor

Dr. Terry L. Drennan earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio Health Science Center, and he’s been helping patients smile since 1979! Of course, there have been countless advancements in technology and the field of dentistry since then, which is why he regularly pursues continuing education and maintains active memberships with professional organizations like the American Dental Association. If you are interested in getting Invisalign or have a question for him about staying on-track with clear aligner treatment, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment via his website or by phone at (817) 732-5522.