Many adults and teenagers alike choose to straighten their smiles with Invisalign because it’s considered more comfortable and discreet than traditional braces. But the trays must be worn for 20 to 22 hours to keep teeth from reverting back to their starting places.
Some adolescents might struggle to meet this wear-time criteria, especially if they’re a little forgetful or absent-minded. Continue reading to learn about 3 ways you can help your teenager stay on track with their treatment timeline!
Tip #1: Implement a Consistent Routine
Did you know that sources estimate that it takes an average of 2 to 6 months for a new behavior to become habitual? That means even the most responsible youths might initially struggle with wearing their Invisalign long enough every day for it to be effective.
You can help them meet the allotted wear-time by implementing consistent at-home routines that fit their schedule, so they can stick to them more easily. For example, the plastic trays aren’t intended to be worn during meals, so you can schedule dinner for the same time each day, and encourage your child to finish eating within a certain timeframe (such as between 30 to 60 minutes) so their aligners aren’t out of their mouth for too long. Consistency over time can help them develop healthy habits while ensuring their teeth continue to shift at the anticipated rate.
Tip #2: Encourage Them to Use an App
You’re not alone if your teen tends to tune you out and spends more time focused on their phone. Thankfully, there are apps that can help them track how long they’ve worn their aligners daily, so you don’t have repeatedly remind them.
Some popular options include TrayMinder, TrayJourney, and My Invisalign. These programs help monitor treatment progress with start and pause timers, color-coded progress calendars, and selfie-progress photo tools. Some can even connect directly with your child’s Invisalign provider for virtual check-ins and other advantages.
Tip #3: Purchase Extra Invisalign Cases
One of the reasons so many teens choose Invisalign is that the clear trays allow their enamel to show through, helping them avoid the feelings of self-consciousness often associated with traditional braces. But it’s unfortunately easy to lose or throw away an invisible tray if it’s not safely stored in a carrying case during meals and cleanings.
For example, your teen might place their aligners on their lunch tray during the school day and accidentally throw them away when they’re done eating. Then, their provider will need to reorder them and adjust their treatment timeline to accommodate the change. You can help prevent this by purchasing extra carrying cases and keeping them in easily-accessible spots, such as in your child’s backpack, in the car, in a kitchen drawer, and in the bathroom where they brush and floss their teeth twice daily.
If you are seeking additional ways to help your teen stay on track with Invisalign, you can contact their dentist for more information!
About the Practice
Patients at Painted Skies Dental Center benefit from a husband-and-wife dental team committed to helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Drs. Natalie and Ramon Ortiz share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate professionally to provide a complete menu of services, including Invisalign, to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. Their caring approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate outcomes meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (575) 521-8720.