When you and your teenager are getting ready to go back to school, things probably start to get chaotic. Their schedule of leisure is coming to a close, your household is having to adjust to a different schedule, and you’re no doubt trying to prepare for those first couple of days. With all of that happening around you, how can you help your teen stay on-point for their Invisalign treatment? Keep reading for some tips!
Check on Maintenance with A Checklist
It’s always important to maintain an oral hygiene routine to fend off tooth-decay-causing bacteria, but Invisalign trays will become yellow and murky if not cleaned regularly. You want your teenager’s dental health to stay pristine, and they want their aligners to stay invisible! Making a maintenance checklist for your teen to mark off during the day is a simple solution that’ll give you both peace of mind. Make sure it includes tasks like:
- Rinsing the aligners whenever they’re removed
- Soaking them in Invisalign cleaning crystals or other approved sanitizing mixture once per day
- Thoroughly brushing the aligners once in the morning and once at night
It’s also a good idea for your teen to review their care instructions the night before classes start. That way it’ll be fresh on their minds (and hopefully not lost to morning brain fog).
Make Phone Aligner Reminders
For your high schooler’s smile to be straightened on-schedule, they need to wear their Invisalign trays for 20 – 22 hours per day, and “upgrade” to their next-phase set on the days instructed. Between friends, homework, and extracurriculars, there are plenty of distractions that could result in forgetting to reinsert the correct aligners at the correct time!
Fortunately, most teenagers keep their phones on them at all times. You can suggest that your teen set up reminder alerts to notify them when it’s time to reinsert their trays or transition to their next set – as well as when it’s time for cleanings and maintenance.
Pack for Success: Useful Invisalign Tools
Inconvenience is a teenager’s worst enemy. There will be days when they don’t want to slow down and take care of their teeth and aligners. Help them avoid the temptation by equipping them with a few convenient tools:
- A floss pick for quick and easy flossing
- Invisalign cleaning crystals are good for soaking and making trays easier to clean
- A removal tool to help them pop off their tight aligners
The right tools can make the most daunting of tasks seem like no problem at all!
Going back-to-school season can be stressful for both kids and parents. Remember that keeping checklists, setting reminders, and shopping for new products are just a few tips – your dentist could have more. If your returning scholar is struggling with their Invisalign aligners, don’t hesitate to call the professionals. They’ll help relieve the pressure with personalized suggestions!
About the Practice
Dr. Bill Carini and Dr. Farr focus on addressing their patients’ unique needs. Every treatment is personalized, including recommendations and advice! As a certified Invisalign provider, Dr. Farr is particularly well-suited for helping you and your teenager stay on-point with their Invisalign treatment during the back-to-school season. For tips, tricks, and thoughtful dental care, call Dr. Carini and Dr. Farr’s office at 414-209-7465.