Halloween is just around the corner! If you have traditional braces, you probably already know the do’s and don’ts of Halloween candy. Basically, orthodontic patients should avoid any candy that is hard, chewy, or sticky, as they can get stuck in your brackets and cause damage to both your braces and your teeth. However, the rules for Invisalign may not be as clear. We’re here to make sure you know how to take care of your aligners and teeth while you enjoy your Halloween!
What You Need to Know
In many ways, Invisalign users have more flexibility than traditional braces wearers, as you are able to remove your trays for short periods of time to eat. With that being said, remember that you should wear your aligners for about 22 hours per day in order to make sure your progress stays on schedule.
It may be tempting to leave your trays out for a longer period of time while you’re at a Halloween party or trick-or-treating so that you can snack on treats throughout the night, but keep an eye on the clock! Getting into the habit of leaving your trays out for longer than recommended can result in delays in your treatment because Invisalign trays can only work so fast. Try planning out what you’d like to indulge in on Halloween so that you can minimize grazing and keep your trays in for as much time as possible.
Trick or Treat?
Now, let’s talk about what treats you can enjoy and which you should avoid! Even though you don’t have brackets for sweets to get stuck in, sugar can still get stuck between your teeth, which can cause cavities and other painful damage when it stays sealed underneath your trays. Consider this when making your candy selections!
Clean it Up!
Before you put your trays back in after enjoying a Halloween treat, be sure to thoroughly brush and floss. If any food or candy particles are left behind under your Invisalign trays, they can cause painful cavities and other damage to your teeth and your trays. When sugary food particles get sealed under your trays, they can also encourage the growth of bad bacteria, which can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and stains on your trays.
Alternatives
Trick-or-treating isn’t the only fun activity you can do on Halloween! Have a pumpkin carving party with your friends, host or attend a haunted house, or enter a costume contest! While holidays are great opportunities to indulge your sweet tooth, don’t forget about all the different ways you can celebrate while you’re still wearing your trays!
We hope these tips help you have a spooktacular Halloween filled with more treats than tricks! If you have any more questions about your Invisalign system, please contact us today.