Now that August has arrived, students across the nation are preparing to head back to school for the fall semester. If you have a teenager at home, they’re likely busy gathering up their new school supplies or planning their outfit for the first day.
However, if your adolescent got Invisalign this summer, it’s natural for them to express some anxiety as they approach the new year. They might feel concerned about whether they’ll be made fun of or worry about handling their orthodontics in a public space surrounded by classmates. Keep reading to learn three tips to share with your child to help them successfully start school with Invisalign!
Tip #1: Practice Speaking
Your teen may have developed a slight lisp or other challenges with enunciation since they started with Invisalign. If they’re anxious about the upcoming semester, it could be that they’re concerned they’ll be mocked for the changes to their speaking patterns.
Thankfully, with enough time and practice, they can minimize or overcome these issues entirely. Have them slow down their speech and rehearse certain words and sounds that trigger the lisp. Eventually, their tongue and the other supporting muscles in their mouth will learn how to work around the trays to speak more clearly. This can boost their self-confidence, so they’re less concerned about being judged.
Tip #2: Use an Aligner Removal Tool
Your child needs to wear their aligners for 22 hours daily and then will switch to a new set every one to two weeks to account for the ongoing movement of their pearly whites. When their trays are new, they often fit so tightly that removing them for meals can be a chore. If they struggle to remove them, they might simply eat with them in their mouths. This generally isn’t recommended because the plastic material can become damaged or discolored.
To help ensure that they take their trays out for lunch, you can pack a special removal tool in their lunchbox or backpack. These can gently pry their orthodontics out of their mouth without using their germy fingers. Some, like OrthoKey, have an ergonomic shape and compact design that fits easily inside their carrier case, so it’s sure to be there when needed.
Tip #3: Maintain Dental Hygiene
After eating, any trapped pieces of food and germs in your teen’s mouth can get trapped in the spaces between their teeth and their Invisalign. It might sit there for the remainder of the day, until they remove their trays to clean them at night. This gives bacteria plenty of time to flourish, which leaves them at an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
To prevent this, you can send your child to school with travel-sized supplies to maintain their dental health during the day. It’s not hard to find small or collapsible toothbrushes and mini containers of toothpaste and floss. Pack these in their supplies so they can scrub their teeth after lunch. This can keep their trays crystal clear and their breath fresh for the rest of the afternoon.
Now that you know how to help your teen, you can give them some much-needed peace of mind before they start the new year!
About the Practice
At 21st Century Dental of Irving, you and your family benefit from two dentists who work together to offer a wide range of services at one convenient location, including Invisalign. Dr. Roy and Dr. Bristow have combined decades of experience treating patients of all ages, so you can trust that you’re in good hands. They combine a compassionate approach with modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate treatment results. If you have a teen at home who wants to straighten their smile, you can request a consultation on the website or call (972) 255-3712.