The school year is fast approaching, and if you have a teen using Invisalign, you’re likely a little worried. Their routine is about to change in a major way, which might make it easy for them to get off track with their treatment. You and your child will have a lot to think about in the coming weeks, but to take something off of your plate, here are 4 tips to help your teen maintain their Invisalign treatment while in school.

1. Always Remember Their Case

One of the fastest ways to lose an Invisalign tray is to take it out and just set it on a table or desk. From there, it can be accidentally knocked onto the floor, thrown away, or magically “disappear” the way a teen’s possessions do sometimes. That’s why, whenever your teen takes out their trays, they should always put them in their case. So, it’s wise to make sure they have their case before they leave for the day, either in their backpack or pocket.

2. Look at Their Trays

A difference between regular Invisalign and Invisalign TEEN is that the ladder has small dots near the back of the trays that slowly fade as they are worn. These are meant to help the teen as well as their parents make sure the trays are being worn for the right amount of time each day. A few times a week, take a look at your teen’s trays to see if the dots are fading as expected. If they aren’t going away, this means your teen isn’t wearing their trays enough, which could ultimately slow down their treatment.

3. Pack Invisalign-Friendly Lunches

Right after your teen starts wearing a new set of trays, they are likely to experience some slight soreness in their mouth. Packing a lunch primarily consisting of soft items can help make the adjustment period a little easier. Some great options include plain yogurt, soups, oatmeal, and smoothies. And while every parent likes to give their child a sweet treat in their lunch, avoid packing extremely sticky items, as these can easily adhere to the teeth, become stuck behind the trays, and increase their risk of tooth decay.

4. Brush Brush Brush

Ideally, your teen should brush and floss their teeth after each meal and snack. This is because, otherwise, leftover bits of food can become trapped by their trays, leading to bad breath and eventually cavities. Put together a to-go oral hygiene kit for them (consisting of a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss), and make sure to ask them if they have time after lunch to clean their teeth. If not, it’s best to contact your child’s school and work this out, because otherwise, they could develop a dental issue that slows down their Invisalign treatment.  

The beginning of the school year is a tremendously busy time for any household, but by keeping these 4 tips in mind, you can have one less thing to worry about as your child makes their way toward their new smile.

About the Authors

The husband and wife team of Dr. Krysten Jackson and Dr. Eric Parsons lead the team here at El Reno Family Dentistry. Our practice is happy to offer Invisalign for both teens and adults, and if you’d like to know more about this treatment and what it could do for your child, contact our team today by clicking here.