Halloween is all about spooky costumes, fun parties, and of course, loads of candy! But if you’re trying to straighten your smile with Invisalign or Candid Clear aligners, you might be wondering how to enjoy the festivities while keeping your orthodontic treatment on track. Don’t worry—it’s not nearly as frightening as it seems! Here are some tips for surviving Halloween night with your clear aligners while enjoying all the fun fright night has to offer.
Plan Your Treating Carefully
With clear aligners, you should avoid eating or drinking anything (except water) while your trays are in. To enjoy your favorite Halloween treats, you’ll need to plan ahead. Schedule specific times to remove your aligners, whether you’re at home passing out candy or at a party devouring it. This way, you can still indulge without compromising your treatment time.
Choose Your Candies Wisely
Some candies are better for your teeth—and your aligners—than others. While you can technically eat anything you want, sticky and chewy candies like caramels and taffy can be difficult to clean. So, be strategic when choosing your treats. Dark chocolate, for example, melts quickly, doesn’t leave sticky residue behind, and may even have some benefits for teeth! That’s a win-win-win for your smile!
Keep Your Aligner Case Handy
With all the Halloween fun, it’s easy to misplace things, especially if you’re out at night prowling for snacks. To avoid accidentally losing or damaging your clear aligners, always carry a case with you.
Whenever you take your aligners out, place them in the case to keep them safe instead of wrapping them in a napkin or setting them down. If you want to go the extra mile, put some reflective tape on the case so you can more easily find it in the dark if you drop it.
Stay Hydrated
Water is your best friend when wearing Candid Clear or Invisalign, especially during Halloween. Drinking water throughout the day rinses away lingering sugar, keeps your saliva flowing, and keeps your body refreshed. As a bonus, you can safely drink as much of it as you want while your aligners are in!
Brush and Floss After Indulging
Halloween might be full of excitement, but when you return home after an evening of scares, it’s important to follow your regular oral care routine. So, after all is tricked and treated, be sure to brush and floss before putting your aligners back in. This will prevent sugar and plaque from getting trapped between your teeth and your aligners, reducing the risk of cavities.
As you can see, with a little planning and some strategic choices, you can enjoy all the fun of Halloween while staying on top of your clear aligner treatment. Remember these tips, and you’ll be able to have your candy and keep your new smile on track!
About the Author
Dr. Annie Yu is a compassionate dentist who loves what she does! After earning her doctorate from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, she studied with some of the top dentists in the country to hone her craft. Today, she offers quality dental work and orthodontic treatments with both Invisalign and Candid Clear aligners! Call (240) 332-1599 to schedule a clear aligner consultation at Avant Dentistry or visit our website to discover learn more.