3 Tips for Wearing Aligners This Holiday Season
Are you and your ready for the holiday season? Make sure you stay on track with your clear aligner treatment by following the below tips from our cosmetic dentist in Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Nichols and his team want to make sure you have all the facts you need to make an informed decision about your orthodontic care.
Here’s what you need to know while wearing aligners this holiday season. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dental office.
1. Remove Aligners Before Drinking Hot Beverages
Whether you prefer pumpkin spice lattes or hot chocolate, it’s important that you remove your aligners before the first sip. If you don’t, the hot liquid may warp the plastic material of your aligners and alter the fit. Beverages other than water can also stain your aligners, turning them from clear to a dull yellow.
If sugary liquids get trapped between your aligners and your teeth, this can create the perfect storm for cavities. The bacteria in your mouth love to feed on sugar, producing an acid that attacks your teeth and gums.
For the above reasons, we always recommend that you remove your aligners when drinking anything but water. It’s also a good idea to brush your teeth before replacing your clear orthodontic aligners.
To make your life easier, tuck a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste into your purse, backpack, or tote. That way, you’ll always be able to practice good oral hygiene—even while you’re on the go.
2. Save Snacks for Meal Times
We understand the temptation to remove your aligners, especially when there are so many seasonal treats to enjoy. However, we recommend saving those snacks to eat during meal times. That way, you’ll be able to continue wearing your teeth aligners for long stretches of time.
You’ll need to wear your orthodontic aligners between 20 and 22 hours per day. If you don’t, you may notice your aligners feeling more tight the next time you wear them. This is because your teeth can start to revert to their old positions when you don’t consistently wear your aligners.
3. Don’t Skip Orthodontic Checkups
The holidays can be hectic. Whether you’re picking up relatives at the airport or watching children who are home from school, it can be hard to find time for yourself. That being said, it’s important that you continue to prioritize your oral health this holiday season and moving forward.
If you’re a patient with , you’ll need to schedule routine checkups with our office. That way, Dr. Nichols can check your progress and give you the next set of aligners in your treatment plan once you’re ready. With each set of clear aligners, you’ll move closer to achieving your picture-perfect smile.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Nichols
Dr. Michael Nichols is an experienced cosmetic dentist in Grand Rapids, MI. To schedule an appointment, please call Nichols Family Dentistry at (616) 333-8496. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.