Helping Your Teen Take Care of Their Clear Aligners

Clear aligners offer numerous advantages 一 such as aesthetic appeal, improved treatment times, and exceptional comfort 一  which is why Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro proudly offers Invisalign® clear aligners here in our Hercules, California, office. But all of those perks come with a caveat: They also require diligent maintenance. If your teenager is using clear aligners to straighten their teeth, you know good oral care is non-negotiable.

As a parent, you want the best for your teen's oral health, and thankfully, there are many ways to support your teen on their journey. Read on as our team here at The Dental Center of Hercules provides you with some helpful tips to assist your teen in taking care of their clear aligners.

1. Establish a good care routine at home

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene can make a big impact on your treatment as well as your oral health. Make sure your teen understands that they should clean (not just rinse) their aligners every time they remove them from their mouth. Rinsing is a good start, but unless the trays are cleaned, the odor-causing bacteria won’t be eliminated.

Avoid using colored soap as it may cause the aligners to become discolored or damaged. Instead, consider supplying your teen with the cleaning system with Cleaning Crystals recommended by Invisalign. Their cleaning system:

• Removes plaque in 15 minutes
• Keeps the trays clear 
• Is easy to use
• Eliminates odors 

Additionally, remind your teen to brush their teeth thoroughly before putting the aligners back in their mouth. This will help prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped between the aligners and their teeth.

2. Make brushing on-the-go easier

Brushing your teeth and taking care of your aligners at home is one thing. Brushing your teeth at school is a bit trickier. To make oral care at school easier for your teen, consider making a to-go cleaning kit for your teen. 

Here’s what you need:

• A zip-up accessory pouch (or even a makeup pouch will do!)
• A travel-sized soft-bristled toothbrush
• A travel-sized tube of mild toothpaste 
• Disposable flossers 
• Storage case for trays
• Small washcloth (optional)

Remind your teen to always rinse and dry their aligners before returning them to their mouth.

3. Avoid eating and drinking with aligners

Teens often find it tempting to eat or drink with their aligners still in place. However, it's crucial to educate them about the potential risks associated with doing so. Eating or drinking sugary or colored beverages can lead to staining and increase the likelihood of cavities. Encourage your teen to remove their aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, and remind them to clean their teeth and aligners before putting them back on.

4. Handle aligners with care

Your teen’s Invisalign trays are made of durable BPA-free plastic, but they can still be damaged if mishandled. Teach your teen to handle their aligners with care and avoid bending or twisting them. 

When their aligners are not in use, instruct them to keep them in their case to protect them from accidental damage or loss, especially during lunch time at school. Many teens have accidentally thrown away their trays by laying them next to their lunch tray or lunch bag and getting them mixed up with their trash during a hectic lunch hour.

5. Follow the recommended wear schedule

Each set of clear aligners is designed to be worn for a specific period, usually about two weeks, before moving on to the next set. Consistency is key for successful orthodontic treatment. Encourage your teen to follow Dr. Teodoro’s instructions regarding wear time diligently. Wearing the aligners as prescribed will help ensure that the teeth move according to the treatment plan and lead to the desired results.

6. Attend regular checkups

Regular checkups here at The Dental Center of Hercules are crucial during your teen’s Invisalign journey. These visits allow Dr. Teodoro to monitor your teen’s progress and make any necessary adjustments. You can help by driving your teen (if they don’t already have a license) or ensuring they attend their appointments. 

During the checkup, Dr. Teodoro checks the blue compliance dots on your teen’s tray. Invisalign trays feature a blue dot, and as your teen wears their trays correctly (up to 22 hours per day), the blue dots fade. If your teen isn’t wearing the trays as directed, Dr. Teodoro will be able to see the blue dot.

Is your teen ready for Invisalign?

Taking care of clear aligners requires commitment and responsibility, but the results are well worth the effort. As a parent, you can play a pivotal role in helping your teen maintain excellent oral hygiene and follow the guidelines for wearing and caring for their aligners. 

Ready to explore the possibilities of Invisalign for your teen? Give our Hercules, California, office a call at 510-254-3328 or  request an appointment online today.