Anyone who wears Invisalign has discovered there is plenty of freedom to be had while undergoing this treatment. When Halloween rolls around, it’s important to be reminded of the rules of wearing clear aligners so you can enjoy every minute of this super-sweet holiday without derailing your orthodontic treatment.

Snack Carefully

Halloween is one of the most tempting times of year for grabbing a bite here and a bite there. All those little candies look harmless – but they’re not if you try to enjoy one with your trays in. There is simply no eating with Invisalign in your mouth, and that includes snacking or sips of cider, wine, soda, or otherwise.

Remember to remove your aligners for every sweet, no matter what it is, no matter what time of day. You have the privilege of being able to eat whatever candy you want, unlike wearers of conventional dental braces for whom sticky and crunchy foods are off-limits. But this perk is only great if you don’t damage your clear trays in the process.

Clean Up

After you dig into your favorite Halloween treats, take the time to clean your teeth and trays before joining them back together again. It’s so important for food particles, sugar, and bacteria to be swept away so they aren’t caught in between trays and tooth enamel.

Plan out your night so you know when you’ll have a chance to brush and floss your teeth. If necessary, carry your supplies with you – travel versions are easy to pop in your pocket and use when you’re away from home.

Stash Your Trays

If you’re heading to a Halloween party or making the neighborhood rounds and know you’ll be enjoying the many treats that are available, it’s okay to take your trays out for a brief time. Just make sure you stash them in a safe place. The last thing you want to do is misplace your Invisalign on Halloween.

Keep your case at the ready and put your trays in there for safekeeping in your pocket or bag or costume during any festivities. It’s easy for things to get lost or thrown away during a chaotic holiday like Halloween so keep a close eye on your trays.

Put in the Time

Invisalign needs to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day to be effective. Holidays are no exception. If you know you’re planning to remove your trays for a little while during the evening, make your earlier meals shorter so you don’t lose out on any treatment time. Better yet, indulge in your favorite Halloween treats as dessert after your meals, and then you’ll be less tempted to do so later. And you won’t need to remove your trays at all.

Focus on the Prize

Remember, Halloween is one night, but Invisalign will give you a lifelong, gorgeous smile. It’s easy to make this treatment work during this candy-filled time of year. Just remember your Philadelphia Invisalign provider’s instructions for everyday wear and apply them to Halloween too. If you have questions about Invisalign wear during the holiday, contact us to schedule a consultation in our Center City office with Dr. Roberts or Dr. de Marsche.