Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene and Invisible Orthodontic Treatment in Summer

Summer is a very special time of year. During the holidays, our habits and routines change, and we tend to be more relaxed and carefree in general. Travel, social events, and dining out are common during these leisure days, and although invisible aligners also have their advantages compared to braces in this summer period (they are very discreet, perfect for taking photos on trips without compromising our image) they can also pose a challenge for those undergoing such treatments. Unlike fixed appliances, the effectiveness of invisible orthodontics largely depends on the patient's compliance, and it is often observed that the use of aligners decreases during the summer, which can significantly compromise the results of the treatment.

Despite these changes in routines due to relaxation and leisure activities typical of summer, we should not neglect our dental hygiene or the care of our invisible orthodontic treatment during this period. From QuickSmile, the only Spanish company specialized in invisible orthodontics, we offer you some tips to enjoy your days off without risking your oral health and the progress of your treatment.

Keep it in mind when packing

If you are going on a trip, when packing it is important to plan how you will take care of your invisible orthodontics during those days away from home. Before you go on vacation, it is advisable to have a check-up with your orthodontist to make sure everything is going as planned. Once checked, it is important to prepare a toiletry bag that includes the basic elements to maintain dental hygiene even in places where you do not have access to a full bathroom. Carrying the necessary items and anticipating possible unforeseen events will allow you to enjoy peacefully without compromising the effectiveness of the treatment.

Among the items that should not be missing in your suitcase in this regard, it is advisable to always carry during trips the protective case to store the aligners when not wearing them, toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss, and interdental brushes, alcohol-free mouthwash, and effervescent tablets for cleaning the aligners.

Align with your orthodontist

Additionally, if your treatment involves changing aligners during your vacation, make sure to carry all the clear aligners corresponding to the period of your trip. Consult with your orthodontist if it is necessary to change them earlier or postpone any change according to the dates of your stay. Another good idea might be to bring an additional set with you, in case you lose the one you are using, as well as keeping the previous set in case you need to temporarily revert to it (always in agreement with your orthodontist).

It can also be useful to carry a digital copy of your treatment plan and as pointed out by QuickSmile, a Spanish company of invisible orthodontics founded in 2019, it is advisable to ask your orthodontist for a duplicated template of attachments that comes in all cases, so if an attachment comes off or is lost you can go to a local orthodontist in case you need to solve any mishap.

Can I swim with the aligners on?

Once at your destination, fully enjoying the holidays should not make you forget that it is necessary to wear the aligners for about 22 hours a day for the treatment to be effective. This means that you should use them all day and only remove them to eat or for tooth brushing. If you are wondering if you can wear them during water activities so typical of this summer period, indeed you can wear them during your dips both at the beach and in the pool. You can also wear your aligners during sports activities, although if the physical activity involves contact, it is advisable to use a specific mouthguard to avoid impacts that may damage the aligners.

During the summer holidays, it is also common to indulge in eating, and it is usual to consume foods richer in sugars, which can increase the risk of cavities and other dental problems. Try to ensure that healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins predominate in your diet, and avoid as much as possible meals and drinks that may be harmful to your teeth or your aligners. In this sense, while the thermoplastic of invisible orthodontics is highly resistant to staining, it is always advisable to be careful with drinks such as coffee, red wine, sangria, tea, and sodas or juices with coloring. Frequent consumption while wearing them can stain them and make them look less aesthetic. If we do not drink water, it is important to remove the aligners before drinking, although it is also necessary to consider that, according to this study conducted by Rey Juan Carlos University on the staining of aligners analyzing three different brands, QuickSmile aligners are the least stained and those that best maintain their transparency when subjected to coffee, tobacco, and other substances.

And if you are away from home and cannot brush your teeth after eating, we recommend at least rinsing with water before putting your aligner back on. Afterward, you can put the aligners back on, but do not forget to brush thoroughly when you get home.

Keep your aligners clean

Cleaning your aligners is very important to keep them in good condition and prevent infections. Use neutral soap and a toothbrush (without toothpaste) to clean them regularly. Rinse them well with water before putting them back on. And don't forget to store them in their box when you are not using them. Do not leave your invisible aligners on a napkin while eating or in any other place where they can be lost or accidentally thrown away. It is better to always keep them in their case to prevent them from getting lost or damaged.

With good planning, a small adaptation of your habits, and some practical tips like these from QuickSmile, you can continue to take care of your smile during this period of summer disconnection. Vacations should not mean a break from treatment, but rather an opportunity to reinforce healthy habits and advance in dental correction without setbacks, adapting the possible reduction in daily compliance hours with an increase in the number of days with the same aligner to facilitate a complete correction of the teeth in this particular stage.