Orthodontic treatments often spur images of patients in metal braces. Nowadays, however, Invisalign has become an increasingly popular treatment option. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that can straighten teeth without all the metal wires and brackets. Because they are so discreet, Invisalign is very popular among teens. Although targeted towards teens, having the discipline to wear Invisalign in school and care for their aligners is a step up in responsibility.
Whether you’re considering Invisalign or helping your child transition to a new dental lifestyle, our caring team of orthodontic experts at Champlain Orthodontics has created a guide to help you out.
How Long Should Your Child Wear Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment lasts around 12 to 18 months. However, the duration depends on your child’s bite and Dr. Elissa Eaton’s recommendation. Furthermore, Invisalign aligners should be worn almost the whole day, at least 20 to 22 hours daily to ensure the treatment’s success. These dental appliances can only be removed when your child brushes, eats, or drinks.
How to Clean Invisalign Trays In School
Whether your child started wearing Invisalign on the first day of school or in the middle of the semester, learning how to clean their Invisalign is key to keeping it in tip-top condition. Dr. Eaton and her expert team share a short tutorial on cleaning aligners:
- Brush and Floss Teeth: We recommend your child brush and floss their teeth before cleaning their aligners. This is to minimize plaque accumulation when the aligners are put back into the mouth.
- Wash and Brush the Aligners: Wash the aligners with lukewarm water and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and gentle liquid soap. It’s not recommended to wash them with abrasive toothpaste and hot water due to scratching and warping, respectively. This step takes around three minutes to complete.
- Rinse: Rinse the aligner trays thoroughly, and the aligners are now ready to be worn again.
What Does My Child Need to Do During Lunch?
Having Invisalign entails a shift in lifestyle and habits. As a parent, you might be wondering how your child is going to deal with their aligners in the school cafeteria. We share three tips:
Remove the Aligners: The school bell now rings for lunch. But before your child enjoys a gourmet meal in the cafeteria, they must first head into the restroom to remove, wash, and place their Invisalign in a case.
Check the Food Your child is in for some good news: They can eat whatever they want in the cafeteria. However, since Invisalign puts a slight pressure on your child’s teeth for the first several days, they should keep an eye out for the following easy-to-chew foods:
- Soft fruits and vegetables
- Eggs
- Pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Fish
- Tofu
Crunchy foods and hard bread should also be avoided during the transition period. Eating with your aligners is not a good idea because food may damage or discolor the aligners.
Drink With Caution: Does your child love coffee or juice? No problem at all so long as the aligners are not in their mouth. However, consuming these beverages while wearing aligners is not recommended due to heat-induced warping and staining. If your child is going to drink with aligners, lukewarm or cold water is the best choice. Not only is it risk-free, but it also helps maintain their overall physical health.
How to Take Care of Your Invisalign in School
Your child may be used to waking up early for school or managing their time, but having to develop new dental habits can be a challenge — especially now that they’re wearing an Invisalign. Our team at Champlain Orthodontics has four tips to help your little one rock in their aligners:
Establish Discipline and Routine: Just because your child is busy with academics and extracurriculars doesn’t mean they have to neglect their dental hygiene and Invisalign care. Establishing discipline can mean reminding your child to put their aligners in a case and remove them when eating lunch. Integrating these habits into their daily routine not only promotes better oral health but also ensures the continuous progress of the treatment.
Invest in An Aligner Case: Children may forget where they last left their aligners — maybe it’s in their pocket, or maybe they left it in the restroom; who knows? For parents and Dr. Eaton, this spells bad news. So what better way to avoid losing them than buying a case to keep them safe? You can even decorate it with cool stickers. Ideally, the case must be stored in a dedicated Aligner care kit. In addition, investing in a second aligner case is a great idea in case your child misplaces their case.
Create A Care Kit: Since your child spends most of their waking hours in school, an Invisalign care kit is a must. In addition to your kid’s aligner case, their kit must also contain the following essentials: Floss, two toothbrushes, and a non-abrasive toothpaste.
Floss is for removing food stuck between teeth, that’s a given. But why does your little one need two toothbrushes? For hygiene reasons, of course. One toothbrush — a soft-bristled one, in particular — is for cleaning the aligners, while the other is for brushing your child’s teeth. A non-abrasive toothpaste is best for Invisalign due to the lack of abrasive ingredients like baking soda.
Inculcate the Value of Discipline With Invisalign
Like braces, Invisalign aligners also require maintenance. However, Invisalign entails more discipline and consistency on the patient’s end, especially children. This is where habit formation plays a role. From maintaining good oral hygiene to cleaning aligners, parents must help their children understand how such habits contribute to the success of their treatment.
Ready to help your child improve their dental health? Set up a virtual consultation or schedule your free in-person consultation at our Williston and St. Albans offices today, and we can answer any questions you may have and discuss whether or not Invisalign is right for your child’s needs.