3 Tips for Wearing Invisalign During Halloween

If you have Invisalign, Halloween is likely to make you extra thankful that you chose clear aligners over braces. Without any brackets and wires to worry about, you are free to enjoy any kind of candy that you want. However, you do still need to be careful not to disrupt your treatment by overindulging in sweet treats. Below are 3 tips for making sure Halloween doesn’t lead to any problems with the Invisalign process.

1. Don’t Eat Candy While Wearing Your Aligners

When you first start your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will warn you not to eat anything while your aligners are still in your mouth. But surely a single piece of candy won’t cause any major problems, right? Unfortunately, it absolutely could; your teeth exert a lot of pressure whenever you bite or chew something, and said pressure could end up breaking your aligners.

On top of that, there’s a good chance that your aligners could become discolored if you make a habit of eating while wearing them. Since many people choose Invisalign largely because it’s less noticeable than braces, the last thing you want is for your aligners to develop stains that make them stand out. In short, it’s best to play it safe by taking your aligners out of your mouth before you enjoy any candy.

2. Think Carefully About When You Eat Your Candy

As tempting as the idea might be, you shouldn’t constantly snack on candy throughout the day. Not only can it cause problems for your oral health, but it can potentially interfere with your Invisalign treatment. Your aligners will only work if they stay in your mouth for at least 20 to 22 hours every day; as such, constantly taking them out to snack on candy is ultimately counterproductive to achieving your smile goals.

It’s best to enjoy your Halloween candy at a time when you would normally remove your aligners anyway. For many patients, this means during lunch or dinner. Make sure to always keep an eye on the time so that you’re aware of how long your aligners have spent outside of your mouth.  

3. Clean Your Teeth Before Putting Your Aligners Back In

Once you’re done eating your Halloween candy, you should make sure that your teeth are clean before you wear your aligners again. Take a sip of water to rinse away harmful bacteria and food particles that may be lingering on your smile. You should also take the time to brush and floss your teeth carefully.

Taking care of your Invisalign aligners is important, but that doesn’t mean you need to miss out on the fun of Halloween. By following the tips above, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your orthodontic treatment on track.

About the Author

Dr. Steve W. Cobb went to Baylor School of Dentistry for his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He has more than 45 years of dental experience and is currently putting his expertise to good use by helping Odessa patients maintain excellent smiles. He is able to offer Invisalign to people who want to straighten their teeth without braces. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cobb, visit his website or call (432) 367-4774.