Let’s face it, being a teen can be awkward. Adolescence is a time of enormous change, which can be challenging at the best of times. Why add to the strain with clunky metal braces? Invisalign is an excellent alternative to braces for teenagers because it’s less invasive and less noticeable than metal braces. This is a huge advantage when facing the difficulties and social pressures of being a teenager. This blog gives 10 tips from professional dental care providers to make your teen’s back-to-school transition wearing Invisalign a breeze.
The best time to start Invisalign with your dentist
Invisalign can be used on anyone with full permanent dentition, meaning, all of their adult teeth have come in. Most of us have lost our last baby teeth and have a full mouth of permanent teeth by the age of 13. We usually recommend back-to-school time for Invisalign teens, as the daily routine of the school schedule can help teens establish and get used to their Invisalign treatment schedule.
Learn more about the process at Invisalign’s website.
Benefits of Invisalign for Saskatoon teens
– less noticeable
– often quicker total treatment time
– can still eat and drink anything they want
– no need to avoid certain foods
– easier to keep clean
– no uncomfortable metal hardware in the mouth
10 tips to help make your Invisalign teen’s transition back to school a breeze
- Send them to school with soft lunch foods at the start of new tray cycles when the mouth and teeth tend to be sore.
- When your teen is due for a new tray cycle, make the switch before bed, so your teen will be sleeping during the tightest period with the new tray and won’t need to struggle with tight tray removal until the morning. Constant in and out can be difficult during the first couple of days with a new set of aligners.
- Trays should never be stored in napkins or placed loosely on a table or desk. Get them a second case so they always have a place to put their aligners in their locker or lunch bag.
- Flossing can be hard to get your teen to do at the best of times. While it’s no replacement for proper daily flossing, get them a mini toothbrush and floss pick to make brushing and flossing after lunch a little easier at school.
- When they are feeling self-conscious or embarrassed about removing their invisible aligners in front of classmates, reassure them that they’re not the only ones, encourage them to use the washroom before and after lunch for more private removal and cleaning, and remind them to think of the confidence they’ll feel when they’re done—that’ll make it all worthwhile.
- Get them a reusable straw to make drinking lots of water easier. Drinking more water is important while using Invisalign to combat bad breath.
- Sometimes the discomfort in the first few days can make it hard to focus in class. Send them pain relief medication in case they need it.
- Remind them to brush their tongue to combat bad breath often exacerbated by wearing Invisalign. Keeping the whole mouth and trays clean will prevent bad breath bacteria.
- Chart the treatment schedule in their day planner or e-calendar, wherever they will see it daily. This will help them follow it closely for the best outcome possible.
- Buy them an empty notepad or start a memo on their smartphone where they can keep track of their wear time to help them maintain a minimum of 22 hours of wear per day.
Invisalign orthodontic treatment is more than cosmetic
While orthodontics and Invisalign can be considered cosmetic treatments, there are also functional advantages that support improved overall oral health. Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean. When teeth are properly aligned, there is less potential for erosion and damage caused by the repetitive strain of chewing or speaking with misaligned teeth or jaw joints.
Talk to your Saskatoon dentist about Invisalign
Invisalign isn’t only for the young! Anyone with all their permanent teeth could be a candidate for invisible aligner teeth straightening. Learn more about Invisalign treatment at BLOK Dental. If you are considering Invisalign for yourself or your teen, talk to your dentist at your next appointment, or book your consultation at our downtown dental clinic today!
