NU Smile Aligners are a great way for teens to achieve straighter, healthier, and more beautiful smiles without the troublesome dietary restrictions or conspicuous metal brackets and wires that come with traditional braces. However, it can be difficult to comply with the treatment during the hustle and bustle of the back-to-school season. Here are a few tips to help teens stay on top of their orthodontic process while acclimating to the new school year.
Eating at School with NU Smile Aligners
During the school day, lunch is a time to take a break and enjoy some social time with your peers. However, NU Smile Aligners are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing, so they must be removed when the patient eats or drinks anything but water. A pair of aligners left on a napkin on the lunch table can easily be swept up and thrown out with the trash, so make sure your teen brings a pocket-sized protective case to store their aligners in during meals.
Pack an Oral Hygiene Kit
NU Smile Aligners require patients to always thoroughly clean their teeth before putting them in, but it can be awkward to brush and floss at school. To make this task easier, have your teen pack a travel-sized oral hygiene kit. Start with a small container that can be easily cleaned and fill it with:
- A toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Any appliances they use to remove their aligners
This kit will provide your teen with everything they need when cleaning their teeth after meals.
Make Sure Your Teen Understands How Much They Need to Wear Their Aligners
NU Smile Aligners must be worn for at least twenty hours every day, and they will ideally only be removed for meals and oral hygiene sessions. Since it’s best to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing your teeth, this doesn’t leave a lot of room for a patient to casually leave their aligners out. By helping your teen understand the importance of wearing their NU Smile Aligners enough each day for the treatment to work, you can set them up for a smoother journey toward a better-aligned smile.
NU Smile Aligners can be an especially excellent orthodontic method for teens since young people are usually quite image-conscious. Consulting with your teen’s orthodontist can determine if this treatment can be a good fit for them.
About the Author
Dr. Admasu Gizachew earned his dental doctorate at New York University and has completed countless hours of advanced education courses since then. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. He offers NU Smile Aligners services from four locations in Brick Township, Eatontown, Barnegat Township, and Staten Island. To learn more about what NU Smile Aligners can do for your teen, contact his practice online.