Back to school season is upon us, and that means it’s time for families across the country to start adjusting to a new routine. From getting an earlier start to handling homework, extracurriculars, and new teachers, it can be a lot for kids to balance at once. Worse yet, if your teen has Invisalign, getting used to caring for their teeth and aligners away from home can make matters even more complicated. But thankfully, they don’t have to be. Here are some ways to help your child be successful with their Invisalign treatment while they’re at school.
Eating & Drinking
Children who attend in-person school typically eat at least one meal a day away from home. To do this, they will need to remove their aligners and then brush and floss their teeth before putting them back in. This can be difficult enough to get them to do at home; away from your watchful eye can make it even trickier. To help make the job a bit easier, be sure to have them pack a storage case for their aligners, as well as an aligner removal tool if needed. This will help ensure that they can successfully remove them, so there’s no excuses for wearing them while eating, or for skipping meals.
Brushing & Flossing
It is imperative that your child brush and floss their teeth before putting their aligners back on after eating or drinking anything but water. This may be a tedious step for them, but it’s very important in protecting their teeth against cavities during their treatment. In addition to their aligner case and removal tool, consider packing them a braces care kit to keep in their backpack throughout the year. Include items such as:
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Floss picks
- Dental wax
Pain Management
Though Invisalign is much more comfortable than traditional braces, it can still cause a little discomfort, especially when you’ve recently switched to a new aligner. If your teen is experiencing any pain, be sure to provide the school nurse with some over-the-counter pain medication for them to take if needed.
Self-Consciousness
It may be difficult for your child to debut a new set of aligners, even though they’re clear. Sometimes when you’re first getting used to them, your speech may sound a little slurred or you may have a bit of a lisp. This is normal and temporary, and usually goes away after the first month or so of wearing aligners, however, if your teen is at all self-conscious about speaking, encourage them to stay the course. The longer they wear their aligners, the sooner they will be able to speak clearly again, and the faster their treatment will work. Aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day, so remind them that they shouldn’t be taking them out for any reason other than to eat or drink.
Remember, back to school season is a time of great transition for anyone, from parents to kids. But heading into a new routine with a solid game plan will help your child be successful in not just the classroom, but in their Invisalign treatment, too.
About Our Practice
At Dentistry at Hickory Flat, our team of highly skilled dentists wants to ensure your comfort. Whether you’re getting a cleaning and exam, a new set of veneers, or are beginning your Invisalign journey, we are committed to making sure your needs are being met.
To schedule an appointment for Invisalign, please visit our website or call us today at 770-213-8166.