The first day of school can be stressful enough. Between getting ready, navigating to their classrooms, and taking in a bunch of new information, your teen might feel like a whirlwind just picked them up and spat them out. It would be understandable if they forgot all about their Invisalign aligners!
While not a world-ending mistake, leaving Invisalign out of their mouth for prolonged periods can lengthen your teen’s treatment time. They’ll need some help staying on track until they adjust to their new routine, and you’re just the person for the job! Here are some useful back-to-school care tips for Invisalign.
Practice and Review
Invisalign prep-work can start well-before class is back in session. If your teen already has their first set of trays, encourage them to practice talking with them. Sometimes high schoolers hesitate to speak or wear their trays because they might experience some lisping. With time and practice, though, they’ll likely be able to talk normally. In the days leading up to their first day back, review their Invisalign care instructions. A little reminder can go a long way with distractable teenagers!
Add Dental Equipment to Their School Supplies
It pays to be prepared, after all. Having a few extra items in their backpack can help your teen stay on top of maintenance, among other things. Here are some ideas:
- A travel-sized toothbrush and tube of toothpaste
- A floss-pick for quick and easy threading
- Invisalign cleaning crystals
- An extra tray case – one for at-home and one to keep in their bag so they don’t forget it
- Water sounds simple, but is essential for fighting off dry mouth
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen or Tylenol
- An aligner-removal tool
With a little forethought, your teen will be well-equipped to take care of themselves and their Invisalign, even while rushing between class periods.
Strategize Their Lunches
Nothing beats a good, satisfying meal during a hard day of work. And make no mistake, school is hard work! The cafeteria might provide options for sustenance, but taking a moment to pack your teen something fresh and yummy is a thoughtful gesture. Plus, depending on how sore their teeth are after inserting a tighter tray, your teen’s at-school dietary options might be limited. That’s when a nice, soft, Invisalign-friendly lunch will mean the most.
These tips will help you help your teen, but there’s another person who can hop in on the action as well. Your family dentist is there to support your household’s oral needs, including Invisalign maintenance. If you and your high schooler need some extra assistance with back-to-school chaos, don’t hesitate to give them a call!
About the Author
Dr. Durga Buchupally earned her dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. She hasn’t stopped learning, though, and actively pursues continuing education courses to stay on top of the latest and greatest developments in dentistry. She can empathize with a busy school life and will give your teen the undivided attention they need while undergoing their Invisalign treatment. If you have questions or concerns about back-to-school strategies or other matters, call Dr. Buchupally’s office at 817-464-8655.