Halloween and orthodontics don’t always seem like the best combination. However, if you do some smart planning, whether you’re wearing Invisalign braces for adults or Invisalign Teen, you can get through this festive time without any damage to your aligners or problems with your teeth.

Keep Following the Rules

Just because it’s Halloween, that doesn’t mean all Invisalign braces rules have gone out the window. In fact, it’s more important than ever to follow the daily rules on this holiday with all the edible temptations that will cross your path.

1. Remove aligners for meals and snacks.

This is the big rule, the one that cannot be broken. If you don’t take out your trays before eating a meal or enjoying a snack, you could damage, discolor, and stain Invisalign, permanently. The whole point of Invisalign, for most patients, is to enjoy the benefit of a discreet treatment that no one can see.

The last thing you want is to end up with unsightly trays because you didn’t want to take them out. Whether you’re sipping on cider, wine, beer, soda, or any other beverage, the same rule applies. Even if you’re just having a tiny chocolate snack, the rules apply. Remove your trays first. The only thing you can ingest with Invisalign braces on your teeth is water.

2. Clean trays and teeth before putting them back together.

After those Halloween meals and snacks, be sure to clean things up before putting aligners back on your teeth. Floss and brush well, and clean your trays too. When Invisalign and teeth are fit snugly together and bacteria and food particles are caught between them, it’s easy for tooth decay to begin to form. If you don’t have oral hygiene items at the ready, at the very least rinse your teeth and mouth with water.

3. Store Invisalign in the case when not being worn.

You will have the best time on Halloween when you know you’ve gotten through this spooky holiday without damaging or losing your Invisalign trays. The best way to make sure the aligners stay safe and secure is by always keeping your case with you.

It’s easy to wear a small crossbody under your costume or around your waist – you could even incorporate a bag into the costume – and always have a case ready to store your trays when necessary. This precaution prevents any accidental trashing of invisible aligners and protects Invisalign anytime it’s out of your mouth.

4. Don’t try to use Invisalign as a base for your costume.

There have been Invisalign patients who attempt to use Invisalign as part of their costume, in a not-so-great way. Trying to glue vampire teeth to the trays, or popping fake teeth in your mouth over the aligners are sure ways to destroy the progress of your orthodontic journey. When you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, this isn’t the year to make a different kind of teeth part of your costume. Think happy thoughts, go with a happy costume, and smile to show off your gorgeous, growing smile.

If you experience an Invisalign emergency after Halloween, contact Drs. Roberts and de Marsche and their orthodontic team at Philadelphia Orthodontists in Center City to find out what needs to be done.