If your teen has recently started Invisalign in Frederick, then they might’ve been excited about getting the straight smile they love. However, they will need to be consistent in wearing their trays for 22 hours every day. At first, they may struggle with this, or they might start to fall behind, but there are ways you can help them out! Here are three tips to encourage your loved one to stay on track with their treatment.
1.) Help Your Teen Remember About Their Trays
Your teen might have a lot going on in their mind. They may be worried about an upcoming test, friend drama, sports, or even work, so wearing their clear aligners might not even be a thought. Simply take time to gently remind them to keep them in. It might be helpful to mention that they can experience delays in their results when they don’t get the full wear time.
You can also consider setting an alarm on their phone or downloading an app, such as TrayMinder. It can be beneficial to fill out their calendar with their treatment timeline or have them take progress pictures as well. That way, they can visually see how they are progressing through their orthodontics.
2.) Personalize Your Teen’s Invisalign Treatment
When first starting Invisalign, your loved one might have been excited about it. They may have been diligent about their routine, but as they got used to it, they might’ve started to fall back. Breaking through this mental block can be challenging, but decorating their tray case may be a good thing to try! This can help them make a connection with their trays, potentially encouraging them to take care of them and reignite the passion they once had.
It can also be beneficial to celebrate the smaller achievements in this treatment. Make switching to their next set or reaching the halfway point a special moment. By giving importance, your loved one might start to feel proud of their progress.
3.) Remind Your Teen About the Benefits They’ll Get
Although it would be nice to have Invisalign for only a couple of weeks, it takes time. The several months ahead can seem daunting for your teen, but be sure to remind them about the benefits. A straighter smile can make them feel more confident and help them have a more comfortable time eating.
Try out any of the tips above with your loved one. Hopefully, you find one that can make them more diligent about their tray routine; that way, they avoid delays and get to the results they deserve.
About the Practice
At My Frederick Dentist, we are happy to help the local community get the straighter grins they love with Invisalign. Led by Dr. Andrew Aziz and Dr. Azhar Akber, we are here to help your teen with their clear aligners. By staying at their side throughout their treatment, they can understand how to avoid trouble when getting their healthier bite. If your teen is struggling to get their full tray wear time, schedule an appointment or call our office at (301) 698-9552.