The summer season is ideal for teenagers to start a new orthodontic treatment like Invisalign. With a more relaxed schedule, there’s plenty of time for their initial appointments and the necessary follow-ups without worrying about doctors’ notes and excused absences. Plus, they’ll have ample time for their mouths to acclimate to wearing the trays and could already start to see results by the time the new school year arrives.
However, your youth might feel anxious about the fall semester with Invisalign because the changes in their routine could impact their treatment. Continue reading to learn about 3 helpful tips you can share with them to help set their mind at ease!
Tip #1: Eat Soft Foods
Every other week or so, your child will switch to a new set of aligners to account for the ongoing movement of their teeth. It’s natural for them to feel some mild aches and inflammation as their mouth adjusts to the new dimensions. You can ease them through these transitions by packing soft foods in their lunchbox that won’t exacerbate their discomfort. For example, yogurts, oatmeal, soups, and smoothies contain various essential nutrients to support their body but won’t hurt to chew.
Tip #2: Brush and Floss After Eating
Invisalign relies on clear plastic trays that fit snuggly over your adolescent’s teeth to gently shift them over a designated period. To prevent their pearly whites from reverting to their previous positions, they must wear their aligners for 22 hours daily. That gives any leftover food particles and bacteria plenty of time to wreak havoc on their oral health. If they don’t brush and floss consistently, they’re at an increased risk of developing cavities or gum disease.
You can stow a travel-sized or collapsible toothbrush in your child’s backpack or lunchbox, along with a small container of floss or flossers. That way, they can brush and floss after lunch to keep their smile looking and feeling fresh all day.
Tip #3: Practice Speaking
If your teen has a lisp or other change to their speaking patterns due to Invisalign, they may worry that they’ll be made fun of when they head back to school. Although their trays can interfere with pronunciation, this effect is usually temporary. With enough time and rehearsal, your child can learn how to overcome their recent speech impediments. If you notice them struggling with certain sounds or words, you can encourage them to slow down and practice those specifically until they feel like they’ve overcome the issue.
By sharing these tips with your youth, you can help them stay on track with their orthodontic treatment when school resumes in the fall.
About the Author
Dr. Frances Hamman has 30+ years of experience helping people of all ages improve their daily quality of life by enhancing their smiles. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Creighton University and then her degree in orthodontics from Case Western Reserve University. Now, she provides a wide range of orthodontic services to address even the most severe misalignments and malocclusions. She takes the time to get to know you so that she can create fully individualized solutions to meet your unique needs. Then, using state-of-the-art equipment, she can create accurate, long-lasting results. If you or your child are interested in Invisalign, you can request an appointment on the website or call (920) 748-7130.
