The start of a new school year means new classes, new schedules, and new extracurricular activities—but did you know that for teens who just started wearing Invisalign, it also means a new set of responsibilities? Plus, with how busy teens can be, it’s easy for aligner wear time to slip through the cracks! However, with a few simple strategies, keeping things on track isn’t too difficult. Here are some tips for them to keep in mind.
1. Set Reminders for Wear Time
Between classes, sports practice, and homework, it’s easy to lose track of how long Invisalign aligners have actually been in. That said, encourage your teen to set phone alarms or use a wear-time tracking app to make sure they’re hitting 20-22 hours per day. A quick, easy-to-set-up reminder whenever the trays are out can help them build the habit of putting them back in until it becomes second nature.
2. Pack an Invisalign Travel Kit
One of the easiest ways to set your teen up for Invisalign success is to put together a small kit they can keep in their backpack or in their locker. A travel-sized toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, and an extra aligner case can make all the difference when it’s time to eat lunch, return to class, or head to practice. It also never hurts to keep orthodontic wax, dental floss, or anything else your teen might need inside of it.
3. Make Adjustments for Extracurriculars
If your teen plays a sport or has band practice, your teen will likely need to remove their aligner in order to wear a mouthguard or play their instrument (with the exception of percussionists). That said, be sure they know to replace their aligner as soon as possible so that their treatment isn’t delayed. In the case of sports, wearing an aligner also prevents the proper use of a mouthguard, which is a must for preventing dental emergencies.
4. Be Prepared for Lost Aligners
Clear aligners occasionally go missing, and it happens to even the most responsible patients. Make sure your teen knows exactly what to do if a tray gets lost or damaged at school, which is to keep wearing the last set and let their orthodontist know. Having a plan in place takes the stress out of an otherwise frustrating situation! Just be sure they also know not to advance to their next set unless instructed.
The bottom line is, a little planning goes a long way in keeping your teen’s Invisalign treatment moving smoothly throughout the school year.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has served patients and families all across New England for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for all ages, including Invisalign for teens! If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule a visit for your teen to see if they could benefit from Invisalign, feel free to reach out online or call today to find the location closest to you.
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