Tips for Teens to Care for Invisalign at School

Invisalign is a great option for teenagers, because it’s low-maintenance, more comfortable than traditional braces, and practically invisible. Your teen can achieve a straighter smile without worrying about a smile that’s impeded by ugly metal and wires.

How does Invisalign work?

The teeth are straightened using a series of clear aligners that discreetly shift the teeth over a period of time.

How long does Invisalign take?

Typically, it only takes six to 18 months, which is far less time than traditional braces.

Caring for Invisalign braces at school can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be if you just take the time to help your child make a plan.

• Make sure your teen understands the rules of Invisalign. It’s easy to forget the guidelines and slack off on the rules in the middle of a busy school day. Make sure your child knows not to drink any beverages other than water, keep the aligners on all day except when eating, remove the aligners before eating lunch or snacks, and clean teeth after lunch, putting the aligners back on.
• Create an Invisalign care kit. This kit will help your teen care not only for the Invisalign aligners but also keep up with oral hygiene. It should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and, most importantly, a case for the aligners.
• Make sure the importance of the case is understood. Here’s the thing, when comparing Invisalign vs braces, there’s no question that Invisalign makes it easier to care for teeth. This is because the aligners are removed before eating, and the teeth are brushed before the aligners are put back on. At school, though, this presents a danger. It’s easy to stick the aligners on a lunch tray or wrap them in a napkin, and just as easy to accidentally throw them away! Teach your teen to always place the aligners in the case as soon as they’re removed, so that they never accidentally get tossed.
• Talk to your teen about difficulties involved with Invisalign treatment. Compared to conventional braces, Invisalign is extremely comfortable. However, this doesn’t mean that your teen’s teeth will never be tender or sore. Keep the lines of communication open, and make sure the lunch your teen is eating at school isn’t causing additional discomfort. Working together, you, your child, and your dentist can make the Invisalign process as pain-free and successful as possible.

If you’re looking for the best Invisalign dentist for your teenager, trust West County Dental. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry, using state of the art technology to care for patients of all ages. When you make an appointment with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us to reserve an appointment today!