5 Tips for Parents to Help Teens Care for Invisalign Aligners

Methods of straightening teeth have come a long way from just rubber bands and braces. While those are still available, Invisalign aligners are quickly becoming more popular among teens. This almost invisible option involves wearing removable clear aligners to help correct tooth alignment issues over time. Since the aligners need to be worn 24/7, it is important that they are cared for properly. Here are a few ways that parents can help their teens take care of their aligners to ensure a beautiful smile at the end of treatment.

1. Discuss Compliance
Most teens love Invisalign clear aligners because they can be removed. However, it’s important that parents encourage their children to follow proper aligner wear instructions in order to ensure the best results. Patients using Invisalign should plan to wear their trays for at least 22 hours daily and should be sure to follow the orthodontist’s instructions for their specific case. This is essential to meet treatment goals.

2. Regular Brushing
Tiny food particles and bacteria can get trapped between the aligners and teeth, leading to plaque buildup. Remind teens that they should brush both their teeth and their aligners after every meal or snack. While they will be instructed to remove the aligners to eat, it is still important to keep them clean and remove any saliva buildup. Don’t forget; it’s also essential to floss daily to remove small plaque bacteria from between the teeth and under the gumline, which will thrive even more when trapped beneath the aligner.

3. Communication
Always encourage open communication with your teen. If they have a problem with their aligners but are uncomfortable talking about it, they may stop wearing them, which will delay treatment progress. Instead, ensure that your teen knows they can communicate issues to both you and your orthodontist, and that you will work together as a team to solve any problems that arise.

4. Make a List
It can be challenging for anyone, including teens, to keep track of the things they need to do with aligners. For example, your child may forget that they need to brush their aligners or that there are certain foods they should avoid. Make them a list of things they need to do daily and things to avoid, like sticky foods. The list can then be kept in their room or in a place where they will see it every day.

5. Consistency
Remaining consistent is critical to making this treatment work. Help your teen set a reminder or alarm on their phone to remind them when they are due to move on to their next set of aligners. Most patients will be instructed to switch to a new set once every 7 days. Make sure to follow your orthodontist’s recommendation on when to change your aligners as it is essential to ensuring a great end result.

Working with your teen to encourage them to wear and care for their aligners as instructed is essential for them to have a healthy, beautiful smile. Following these tips will help keep them on track for their treatment goals. For more information and advice, contact us today.