Don’t Be Afraid of Holiday Treats

Invisalign

Navigating the Holidays with Your Invisalign Aligners

As the holiday season approaches, a common concern for those wearing Invisalign aligners is, “Can I still eat my favorite holiday treats?”

The good news is, with a few helpful tips and precautions, you can enjoy your favorite festive foods without slowing down your progress.

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without those traditional, uncomfortable metal braces. Invisalign features custom-made, virtually invisible, clear plastic aligners that help shift your teeth into the proper position without irritating your teeth and gums.

Enjoy the Festivities — But With a Few Reminders

Because they are removable, Invisalign clear braces offer the flexibility to enjoy your favorite holiday meals and treats. Here are just a few reminders from our San Mateo cosmetic dental office to ensure a festive and enjoyable season.

  • Always Remove Your Aligners Before Eating or Drinking

    • Except for water, make sure to take out your aligners before indulging in holiday meals and beverages. Certain foods and drinks can stain your aligners, causing them to lose their near-transparent appearance. Things like coffee, tea, blueberries, and cherries are the culprits.

    Warm drinks such as coffee, hot chocolate, and hot cider may be essential holiday beverages, but their heat could also damage your plastic aligners.

    While you’ll likely be taking your aligners out more frequently than usual during holiday meals and treats, it’s crucial to wear them for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. Even during the holiday season, your Invisalign treatment should not be compromised. Keeping to this schedule ensures that your smile transformation stays on track.

  • Brush Your Teeth After Eating

    • Sugary residue and food particles can get trapped in the aligners if your teeth aren’t cleaned properly. So, be sure to brush your teeth after a particularly sweet or heavy snack/meal before putting your aligners back in.

  • Keep Your Aligners Clean

    • Amidst the holiday cheer, it’s easy to get sidetracked, so don’t forget to clean your aligners. Rinse them before replacing them — and take the time to brush them gently to keep them clear and free from bacteria.

    Invisalign aligners need not get in the way of your holiday treats. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the festivities while ensuring your aligners remain in good condition and your treatment is uninterrupted.

    Remove your aligners before eating and drinking, brush your teeth often, and keep your aligners clean. That’s it!

    Happy holidays from the San Mateo Center for Cosmetic Dentistry team!