{"id":371,"date":"2021-08-11T14:18:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-11T14:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.darbycreekdental.com\/blog\/?p=371"},"modified":"2021-09-03T14:20:02","modified_gmt":"2021-09-03T14:20:02","slug":"back-to-school-tips-for-invisalign-teen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.darbycreekdental.com\/blog\/back-to-school-tips-for-invisalign-teen\/","title":{"rendered":"Back-to-School Tips for Your Invisalign Teen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The days are getting shorter, the air is turning crisp, and the first day of school is right around the corner. Parents with young children might be jumping with joy because their little ones are returning to school. But if you have an Invisalign teen, you\u2019re probably worried they\u2019ll derail from treatment while away from home. Luckily, there are a few ways you can ensure they stay on track. Here are some back-to-school tips to help your child stick with the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Eating at School<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most patients opt for Invisalign because there are no dietary restrictions during treatment. However, the clear aligners can make it challenging to eat certain foods, especially at the start of a new tray cycle when the teeth and gums can feel very sore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does your teen<\/a> often complain about discomfort when starting a new set? Consider packing them a lunch that contains soft foods. Applesauce, oatmeal, plain yogurt, soup, and smoothies are just a few nutritious options that are also easy on the aligners. It\u2019s the best way to ensure your child is well-fed and nourished!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staying on Top of Oral Hygiene<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone knows about the importance of brushing and flossing \u2013 but it\u2019s especially important during Invisalign treatment. It\u2019s crucial for your teen to brush their teeth after each meal and snack, right before slipping their aligners back in. Otherwise, residual food and other debris can cause plaque buildup and cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Help your child maintain good oral hygiene by giving them an on-the-go kit that contains a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and dental floss. Make sure the tools are travel-sized so they can easily stash them in their backpack. Don\u2019t forget to remind them to clean their aligners as well! You can provide them with a bottle of spray-on cleaning solution that they can use on their trays before reinserting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overcoming Wear-Time Barriers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For successful Invisalign treatment, your teen must meet the daily recommended wear time of 20 to 22 hours. Unfortunately, that is not an easy task for most teenagers. Here are some common wear-time barriers and how to overcome them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n