Halloween may be full of spooky surprises, but an accidental delay in your Invisalign treatment doesn’t have to be one of them. Whether you’re planning a party with a tablescape of delicious foods and cocktails or preparing to cash in on the “parent tax” your child will need to pay in candy when they return home from trick-or-treating, here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent turning your clear aligner treatment into a real horror story.
Enjoy Sweet Treats, But Be Careful
Invisalign won’t keep you from your favorite sweets, but you need to be mindful of how much and what kind of candy you choose. If you stay on top of your oral hygiene and clean your aligners regularly as instructed, feel free to enjoy a chocolate bar, lollipop, or caramel apple; if you don’t, it can be a problem.
Sticky, sugary foods left in place too long can get trapped between your teeth and aligners when you reinsert them. What does this mean? Tooth decay. To avoid possible cavities, make sure you clean your teeth and aligners well.
Don’t Compromise on Wear Time
Thinking about being a vampire this Halloween? If you’re planning to wear fangs, you might want to rethink your costume. Invisalign aligners should be worn 20-22 hours a day, so to avoid delaying treatment, you’ll need to keep your trays in during the big party or while trick-or-treating. You can remove them to eat dinner and dessert, but don’t plan to keep them out all evening or overnight.
If you’re worried about what others might think, or if you’re concerned your trays will clash with your costume, don’t be. They’re virtually invisible, so no one will notice!
Drink Water to Flush Out Candy Residue
Flavorful punches, alcoholic spirits, and sodas may be on the list this Halloween, but if you want to lower your risk of decay and possible stains, drink water. It not only keeps you hydrated while you dance to your favorite spooky tunes, but it also flushes out residue left behind by your favorite candies. The best part is you can drink it while wearing your aligners, so you don’t have to worry about stains.
Since Halloween only comes once a year, enjoy yourself, but don’t compromise your Invisalign treatment. By making careful choices, you can still have fun and avoid a long-term delay. If you have questions about caring for your aligners this time of year, ask your dentist for extra tips and tricks.
About the Author
Dr. Sheila Mahooti earned her dental degree from New York University in 2001, then completed a one-year general practice residency at the prestigious Manhattan VA hospital. Eventually, she relocated to Southern California and is now one of three female dental professionals at Signature Smiles of LA. She delivers first-rate treatment, prioritizing her patients’ overall health and aesthetics. If you wear Invisalign aligners and want to stay on track this holiday season, contact us at (818) 600–1884 to schedule an appointment.