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Thanksgiving is a special occasion for families, where prayers of gratitude are said and amazing feasts are enjoyed. Just as we approach the start of the upcoming holiday season, Thanksgiving festivities are being observed in every town.
If you are relatively new to adopting orthodontic clear aligners, you might be thinking, “Is there any way to enjoy Thanksgiving without affecting my clear aligner therapy”? Well, we’ve got good news for you, as you can now enjoy amazing Thanksgiving meals without affecting your orthodontic aligner treatment. In this blog, we’ll be exploring various tips to guarantee a pain-free and memorable Thanksgiving occasion with friends and family.
Tips to Keep Your Aligner Treatment on Track
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Clear aligners are relatively new orthodontic treatment devices with little awareness among the general public. There are various ways through which you can maintain your dental health to ensure your teeth alignment therapy goes well. Some of these include:
Remove Your Aligners Before Meals
Many people associate Thanksgiving with a time of eating amazing meals. But if you think that you might miss out on your favorite meals this year, don’t worry, as you don’t need to.
Those who have adopted invisible aligners can just remove them before eating their meals. You can choose from easy-to-chew meal options like turkey gravy, turkey slices, green bean casserole, or mashed potatoes.
Stay Hydrated
Thanksgiving season brings hot, sweet, and savory meals and beverages like hot cocoa or apple pie. Just remember to drink water with your savory meals as this helps remove extra food debris stuck in your teeth or aligners and keeps you feeling fresh. Plus, it’s also beneficial for your dental health as well.
Avoid Sticky Foods
Sticky foods can be a challenge for people with clear aligners. Try to avoid sticky foods like caramel, toffee, or gum, as they can stick to your aligners and cause damage.
Plan Aligner Friendly Menu
Plan your meals in advance to ensure that you have aligner-friendly options available. You can choose from a variety of soft foods like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or pumpkin pie.
Don’t Avoid Dental Appointments
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It is easy to forget your dental clinic appointment during Thanksgiving as you have a long list of things to prepare for guests. However, dental appointments are important if you want to ensure your dental health during Thanksgiving.
Visiting the orthodontist or dentist will ensure that your invisible aligner treatment remains on track. The dentist will carefully study your progress and provide valuable feedback as to whether you need any repairs or can change your aligners for next week.
Pack an Aligner Travel Kit
Always have a small handy travel kit for invisible aligners care. This makes it easy to plan for Thanksgiving events and dinners with friends. You can pack your toothbrush, small-sized mouthwash, toothpaste, and a small mirror. As a result, you can reduce bacterial growth and plaque without worrying about your location.
Pack Soothing Equipment
Pack soothing equipment like lip balm or mouthwash to help soothe any discomfort or irritation caused by your aligners.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
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Maintaining ideal oral health is crucial, especially during Thanksgiving when adopting invisible aligners. Always carry your floss and toothbrush with you to effectively preserve clean teeth after every meal.
Keeping your removable aligners clean from all food particles ensures orthodontic devices are not compromised, and your teeth alignment therapy journey remains smooth.
Avoid Nutty Snacks
Avoid nutty snacks like peanuts or almonds, as they can be difficult to chew and may cause damage to your aligners.
Wear Removable Aligners Consistently
As Thanksgiving approaches, there is no shortage of treats you can enjoy. While enjoying the warmth and celebration, you need to be vigilant about wearing your invisible aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours every day. You can avoid snacks until regular meal hours.
Summing Up
Thanksgiving is much more than simply enjoying amazing treats and showing gratitude. It’s an event that creates special memories that last for a long time. With careful planning and increased awareness, you can make Thanksgiving special with removable aligners.
Just be careful of what you eat while maintaining excellent oral hygiene. This keeps your removable aligners in good condition. Dental hygiene is critical for maintaining a healthy smile. Enjoy Thanksgiving with happiness without compromising your smile through clear aligners as offered by ALIGNERCO.
FAQs
Can you eat Thanksgiving meals with clear aligners?
While you can eat Thanksgiving meals with clear aligners, ensure to remove them before doing so to avoid any damage.
Can you eat spicy food with removable braces?
Yes, but you have to eat spicy treats such as curries or hot peppers in moderation, as they can damage your teeth and irritate them. Always remember to rinse and brush after eating spicy meals before wearing invisible aligners.
Can we eat chewy and nutty snacks on Thanksgiving with aligners?
Yes, but you should consume aligner-friendly meals that are easy to chew. These include mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Furthermore, it is advised to remove aligners before eating.