Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, Halloween can be full of fun and sweets. The problem is, if this is the first year you’ve celebrated while undergoing SureSmile orthodontic treatment, you’ll want to be mindful of your aligners. So long as you stick to the care basics, like cleaning your trays regularly, and maintain good dental hygiene, you’ll be able to stay on track with your treatment timeline. Read on to learn four ways you can protect your SureSmile aligners this Halloween.
1. Eat Sweets During Usual Mealtimes
Whether you’re an adult with a big leftover bowl of candy after trick-or-treating has finished, or you’re a teen that has collected a mountain of treats throughout the night, as hard as it will be, it’s important not to snack on them. This can expose your mouth to sugars for long periods of time throughout the day, risking decay as well as causing you to regularly have your aligners out of your mouth. You can eat your sweets, but just try to do so during your usual mealtimes.
2. Stay Away From Candies You Suck On
Jolly Ranchers, jawbreakers, hard caramels—there are countless delicious candies that require you to suck on them for long periods of time. The problem is, as they dissolve and mix with your saliva, they create a coating of acids and bacteria over your teeth. If you don’t brush your teeth before putting your trays back in your mouth, this can put you at a high risk of forming cavities. Eating these types of candies also takes a while, meaning your trays will be out of your mouth for longer.
3. Stick to Your Regular Dental Hygiene Practices
One of the most important care tips to remember is to stick with your normal dental hygiene practices. Each time after eating, be sure to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly, making sure no debris gets trapped beneath your trays. It’s also important to clean your aligners at least once a day with clear hand soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
4. Remember to Enjoy Halloween!
The most important tip is to enjoy your Halloween! By opting for SureSmile instead of traditional braces, you can enjoy all of your favorite candies, regardless of their chewiness, and truly get the most out of the holiday.
About the Practice
At Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our experienced and compassionate dentists are excited to offer patients a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces—SureSmile. As both of our dentists have been practicing for well over a decade, they have helped hundreds of patients achieve their ideal smiles through the use of SureSmile aligners. For questions or to schedule a consultation and learn whether you’re a candidate, visit our website or call 360-459-4420.