Invisalign Aligners at School

Summer is officially on the way out, and new notebooks, heavy textbooks, and colorful pens are on the horizon for kids and parents– plus, you have the challenge of how to handle Invisalign at school! Invisible aligners like Invisalign require consistent wearing to be effective. The school year is starting soon (or might have already begun for some!), so there’s a new task on the list for some families. If you started orthodontic treatment during the break, now you’re diving headfirst into something many parents struggle with – managing Invisalign aligners at school!

Let’s face it. Juggling academics, extracurriculars, and social life is tough enough for our kiddos, pre-teens, and adolescents. Throw in something as high-maintenance as Invisalign, and things can get tricky. But fear not because we’ve got expert advice to help your child easily sail through their Invisalign journey at school!

My Child Forgets to Wear Their Invisalign Aligners. What Can I Do?

Everyone forgets things – especially putting Invisalign trays back in after a snack or drink. Your child must wear their aligners 20-22 hours daily for effective treatment. But what happens when the bell rings at the end of lunch and those aligners aren’t in place? How do you handle Invisalign at school? There are a few things you can do to fix this.

• Spend the weeks before school (and the weekends) making sure that wearing aligners becomes part of their daily routine. Like brushing your teeth or packing homework, popping in your Invisalign aligners should become a habit.
• Get a bright case for your child’s aligners to sit in during their lunch period. Help them decorate it in a fun, unique way – stickers and permanent markers are a good start! This case is the key to keeping aligners safe and making them memorable. Be sure it has their name on it, too, in case the aligners are ever lost.

How Do You Handle Cleaning Invisalign at School?

Hygiene is so essential for a healthy smile when you’re using Invisalign! Encourage your child to rinse the aligners every time they take them out. And, of course, brushing and flossing after snacks and meals is vital to keep away cavities and gum disease. 

Packing a small cleaning kit for school is a game-changer. Your tooth-care to-go kit should include a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. We also recommend adding some dental wax for sore gums and new trays.

My Kid is Self-Conscious About Their Aligners. Help!

The teenage years are tough, even when you aren’t worried about how your smile looks with braces or aligners. Adding on orthodontic treatment can be emotionally challenging, and it’s normal for your child to feel a little self-conscious. Remind your child that Invisalign is a temporary phase for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Plus, they are virtually invisible, so chances are, most people won’t even notice them!

Help your little one get more comfortable talking and smiling with the trays. You can practice in the mirror at home. Always bring Great Vibes and positivity to these sessions so your teen can start the school year with confidence!

Can My Child Eat at School with Invisalign?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Invisalign is that there are no dietary restrictions. However, your child must remove their aligners while eating and brush their teeth before putting them back in.

What About Sports and Extracurricular Activities?

Invisalign shouldn’t interfere with your child’s sporting activities. Unlike traditional braces, there’s no risk of a broken wire or bracket. Your child can simply replace the aligners with a sports mouthguard for protection for contact sports.

Navigating the school year with Invisalign doesn’t have to be daunting. With some preparation and a positive attitude, your child can successfully manage their Invisalign treatment while also enjoying their school life. Every step on this journey brings them closer to that perfect smile!