Keeping Your Invisalign Teen on Track as They Head Back to School


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Summer’s drawing to a close with fall right on its heels! This means your child in orthodontic treatment with Invisalign will likely need to make some changes as they go back to school.

As the parent of an Invisalign teen, now’s the time to stock up on everything they need to correctly follow their alignment program while they’re away from home and busy with school activities. Backpack essentials include:

Soft Foods
Make sure they get the nutritious foods they need for a healthy smile and body. If your child skips meals because their teeth hurt (at the start of a new tray cycle), they won’t have the essential nutrients or energy their body needs. This is the time when you’ll want to send them to school with soft foods that are easy to consume. Greek yogurt with extra protein, soups, stews, oatmeal, and smoothies easily fit the bill.

Tip: put some dental wax in their backpack to cover any rough edges.

Aligner Case
Since your child removes their aligner when eating, make sure they have an aligner container with them at all times so that their aligners aren’t just placed on a napkin that might accidentally get thrown out.

Oral Hygiene Tools
To avoid getting cavities and stained teeth, make sure they have the tools they need to maintain strong oral hygiene habits. Encourage them to brush their teeth well after every meal (or snack), so their teeth are clean when they put the tray back in. Tuck a toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, and flossing piks that make flossing after eating a breeze into their backpack.

Consistent Wear Time
When your child is away from home, it’s easy for them to just take out their trays, and if they do this often, they will delay their treatment time. The Invisalign system can’t do its job if they don’t keep its aligners on for the recommended 21 hours a day. If they feel self-conscious because they lisp while wearing their aligners, remind them that it should only be temporary. They can also slow down when they talk and work on their enunciation to help lessen their lisp.

Clean Aligners
Remind them that practicing consistent oral hygiene care prevents their teeth and aligners from dulling or looking darker.

Dry Mouth
Make sure they have a water bottle or water bottle container with them all day. This helps make sure their saliva production stays optimal. Also, make sure they brush their tongue to remove oral debris and bacteria after they eat.

So, while you are getting your child ready for the new back-to-school schedule and routine, getting new clothes, haircuts, backpacks, and school supplies, remember to give them the dental tools they need during their school day while they are wearing aligners.

Our Barakat Orthodontics team is looking forward to helping your child create the aligned smile they deserve!


Dr. Rana Barakat, a board-certified specialist in Orthodontics, has been proudly serving Northern Virginia for more than 20-years! She has built her practice on a personal touch and excellent treatment.

As a parent, she understands wanting the best for your children by giving them beautiful, confident smiles. She makes it a priority to ensure optimal results, but also believes that each patient’s experience during treatment is just as important as the clinical result. As the 2015-16 President of the Virginia Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Barakat’s dedication and expertise reflect why her peers continue to nominate her as a Top Dentist.

Barakat Orthodontics is located at 45745 Nokes Blvd., Ste. 175, Sterling, VA 20166. Connect by visiting them online, or get social with them on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter. Barakat Orthodontics can also be reached at (703) 433-9330.

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