What would scare you more? Walking through a haunted house alone or having a few extra weeks added to your Invisalign® treatment? If you answered the latter, this blog post is for you! Our Ann Arbor Invisalign orthodontist is ready to offer their expert advice to help you enjoy Halloween to the fullest without losing the progress you’ve already made with your Invisalign aligners.

Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign treatment during the spooky season and how you can maintain your boo-tiful smile.

If You Have Invisalign This Halloween, Try:

Planning Ahead

The key to successfully managing Invisalign clear aligners on Halloween is preparation. Before heading out for your Halloween adventures, make sure you have everything you need. This includes your aligner case, a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and possibly a small bottle of mouthwash. Having these items on hand will make oral hygiene with Invisalign much easier as you enjoy your Halloween treats.

When cleaning, remember to:

• Quickly rinse aligners under lukewarm water (never hot) after they are removed from your mouth.
• Use your soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste (non-whitening and non-abrasive) or clear antibacterial soap to get rid of any food bits that may have stuck around from an earlier meal. 
• Carefully brush the inside and outside of the top and bottom aligner. Be sure to also brush your teeth at this time. 
• Give them another rinse after you’re done brushing.
• Place back in your mouth or inside their protective case when not in use.

Eating Candy with a Meal

Clear aligner treatment involves removable trays, which is a major benefit when you want to indulge in Halloween candy. Nothing is off limits, including caramel, taffy, and candy apples. That being said, you’ll still need to be mindful of how often you’re wearing your dental aligners.

It’s vital that you continue wearing your clear orthodontic aligners at least 20 to 22 hours per day to stay on track. For this reason, we recommend eating Halloween candy during mealtimes. That way, you don’t have to remove your aligners more than usual.

Smiling with Confidence

Don’t let the thought of aligners dampen your Halloween spirit! Remember that Invisalign aligners for adults and teens are designed to be a discreet and convenient alternative to metal braces. This means that most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. So, enjoy the festivities, take lots of pictures in your spook-tacular costume, and savor the seasonal treats that cross your path. After all, Halloween only comes once a year!

Speaking Up if Something’s Wrong

If you have any concerns about straightening teeth with clear aligners during Halloween or any other aspect of your treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our local Invisalign orthodontist. Dr. Bedi can provide personalized advice and guidance to ensure your orthodontic journey remains on track.

Carrying Your Aligner Case

Always carry your aligner case with you. This small, portable case is a safe place to store your custom clear aligners while you enjoy your Halloween treats. Never wrap your aligners in a napkin or leave them lying around, as they can easily get lost or damaged. That’s one Halloween trick you want to avoid!

Removing Your Aligners to Drink Anything But Water

It may be tempting to leave your aligners in when sipping a glass of punch at a costume party. However, it’s important that you always remove your aligners before you drink anything but water. Otherwise, the sugary liquid will get trapped between the aligners and your teeth. Not only does this increase your risk of cavities, but it can also stain your clear aligners.

Ask About Invisalign Today

Have a question for our Invisalign orthodontist in Ann Arbor, MI? Book a consultation to learn more about clear aligner treatment and set yourself up for success! Call Enhance Orthodontics at (734) 821-7684. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.

This blog post has been updated.