Spooky Season Advice: How to Enjoy Halloween with Clear Aligners

Halloween is all about enjoying tricks and treats, but things are a little different this year. You have clear aligners to think about now, and you’re not sure what that will mean for the treat part. You need some spooky season advice.

Look no further, because that’s what this post is all about! Just keep reading, and don’t worry. You won’t have to give up chocolate and candy completely.

Schedule Candy Time Close to Mealtime

One of the best things about clear aligners is they have a ghostly transparency. But that transparency will vanish faster than a pumpkin spice latte if there’s food residue stuck to your teeth. Plan to enjoy your sugary spoils before or after your meals. If you’re already in the habit of cleaning your teeth between courses, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to brush leftover chocolate from your pearly whites and accidentally staining your aligners.

Don’t Graze

This advice might be more difficult to stick to. When sweet treats are in ample supply around the house, the craving monster can be very persistent. You, however, have to keep your eye on the prize. Clear aligners must be worn for 22 hours per day, or else their straightening magic will take longer to perfect your smile. Between regular meals and oral hygiene, you don’t have time to remove your aligners, scarf down a cookie, then go through the cleaning process.

Avoid Chewy and Dissolving Candy

For one thing, ooey gooeys and acidic dissolvers like Jolly Ranchers will be much, much harder to brush off your teeth and your aligners. For another thing, these types of candies are meant to linger in your mouth. In other words, they’re treats you likely can’t take the time to fully appreciate.

Don’t Let Your Guard Down at Parties

Maybe you have friends that are excited for spooky season, or maybe your workplace does something fun and festive for Halloween. Either way, remember to keep your aligners in, and remember that they are in! Eating and drinking anything but clear water while wearing your aligners can result in stains or damage. Even if the plan is to watch horror movies and chill, think twice before reaching for a bowl of popcorn.

Enjoying Halloween with clear aligners isn’t exactly rocket science, but it does take some dedicated mindfulness to avoid long-term consequences. Stick to diligent cleaning and wearing habits, and you’ll likely be able to show off your devilishly good-looking smile next year!

About the Practice

At Chicago Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re proud to have several dentists and orthodontists on staff, all of whom have extensive experience treating patients of all ages. If you’d like more advice for enjoying Halloween during a clear aligner treatment, our warm and friendly team can make personalized suggestions that work for you and your smile. To contact our office, call 312-766-0995.