Whether your child is heading into their first year of middle school or their last year of high school, back-to-school season is always a bit hectic. If your child started Invisalign over the summer, then you don’t just need to set up carpools, buy supplies, and create a new routine – you need to consider what’s needed to keep them on-track with their orthodontic treatment. If you’re not sure where to begin, then keep reading to learn five back-to-school tips for teens with Invisalign.
1. Pack Soft, Smile-Friendly Lunches
If your child takes lunch to school, then do your best to pack foods that are softer in consistency. This is particularly important in the days following their transition to a new set of aligners since their teeth will be a bit sore. Plain yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, vegetable soup, and overnight oats are great since they are soft, delicious, and packed with nutrients.
2. Reinforce Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Tooth decay isn’t just painful, it also will bring your teen’s orthodontic treatment to a temporary stop. So, do your best to reinforce good oral hygiene habits, like brushing for a full two minutes each morning and evening. It’s also important for them to get in the habit of cleaning their teeth and their aligners after lunch (more on that in the next section).
3. Create an On-the-Go Dental Care Kit
Naturally, brushing and flossing is much easier at home where your teen has everything they need. What should they do if they are at school or practice? Creating an on-the-go dental care kit with a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss will make completing their oral hygiene regimen when they are away from home much easier.
Bonus tip: Keep dental wax, sugar-free mints, and a clear aligner removal tool in the kit too!
4. Consider Buying Them a Reusable Water Bottle
Drinking water throughout the day will help keep your teen healthy and hydrated. It will also help prevent dry mouth, soft tissue irritation, and dental discoloration. So, consider buying them a reusable water bottle to take to school. Fortunately, these are quite trendy right now, and they can easily be customized with stickers and other accessories.
5. Don’t Forget About the Progress Appointments!
Amid the hustle and bustle of back-to-school season, you might find your family’s calendar quickly getting full. However, it’s still important that you make the Invisalign check-in visits a priority. That way, your teen’s orthodontist can ensure that they are on-track with their treatment plan and no adjustments need to be made.
About the Practice
Allen Orthodontics is a top-rated office led by two exceptional orthodontists, Dr. Tamara L. Jones and Dr. Megan Hanson. Since they are also moms, they know first-hand that oral hygiene can be difficult at times, but it’s also extremely important. That’s why they don’t just provide custom orthodontic treatments; they also share tips, provide recommendations, and answer questions. Basically, they are here as an ongoing resource for you and your family. If you want to schedule a consultation with us to find out if your teen is a candidate for Invisalign, then visit our website or call (972) 727-1153.