Living in Guelph allows us to enjoy a full range of seasons, each bringing unique activities and culinary treats. From the vibrant Guelph Hillside Festival in the summer to skating at Market Square in the winter, our city offers something special for everyone throughout the year. When we start orthodontic treatment, we want to savor these moments without worrying about our smiles. That’s why so many of our patients choose Invisalign®. Clear aligners offer convenient, discreet, and effective teeth straightening.
We can easily maintain our treatment plan while embracing Guelph’s seasonal lifestyle by building strong habits into our daily and seasonal routines. If we care for our aligners properly, we keep our treatment on track, avoid delays, and maintain clean, comfortable aligners. We want you to feel confident showing off your changing smile at every community event, whether you’re sampling treats at the Taste of Guelph or cheering on the Nighthawks. Let this guide help you navigate the year while caring for your aligners.
Summer Festivities and Your Aligners
Summer in Guelph means outdoor fun, festivals, and delicious food. Whether we explore the Arboretum’s scenic trails, enjoy a picnic by the Speed River, or grab a cold treat downtown, our summer schedules can shift quickly. Thanks to Invisalign, we can enjoy it all with just a bit of planning. Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except cool water. Doing so prevents stains, avoids warping from hot drinks, and keeps sugars and acids from sticking to our teeth, which can cause cavities.
Pack a small “Invisalign kit” to carry with you. This kit makes a big difference during long days at events like the Guelph and District Multicultural Festival.
Your Summer Invisalign Kit
- Protective case: Never wrap your aligners in a napkin—people often throw them out by accident this way. Always store your aligners in their case.
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste: After a meal or a sugary drink like a slushie, brush your teeth before you put the aligners back in. This step removes food particles and plaque.
- Floss or interdental picks: Clean between your teeth where your brush can’t reach.
- Bottle of water: Stay hydrated in the summer heat. Water is the only drink you can enjoy with your aligners in, and it helps rinse your mouth if you can’t brush right away.
By following these steps, you can savor every moment of a Guelph summer and keep your orthodontic progress steady.
Navigating Fall Flavours and Festivities
When the leaves change color, we turn our attention to cozy sweaters, the Guelph Farmers’ Market harvest, and everything pumpkin spice. Autumn brings plenty of hard, crunchy, and sugary foods—think candy apples, roasted nuts, and Halloween treats. Invisalign lets us enjoy these goodies without the food restrictions found with traditional braces, but we still need to focus on oral health. Hard or sticky foods can cause dental issues, so we should clean our teeth thoroughly before popping aligners back in.
After a sweet bakery treat or sticky caramel corn at a fall fair, take time to brush and floss. If you can’t brush immediately, swish water around your mouth to clear away debris until you find a toothbrush. Remember, your aligners fit snugly, so leftover food can easily get trapped and give bacteria a place to thrive. Wear your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours daily. Extended snacking makes it tempting to leave them out, but doing so slows your progress. Try setting a timer on your phone as a reminder to put them back in.
Winter Sports and Holiday Feasting
Guelph winters bring cross-country skiing at Ignatius Jesuit Centre, skating, and warm holiday gatherings. Holidays mean more snacking and social time, so you need to plan strategically. At a party with a buffet, aim to eat during one or two main times instead of grazing all night. This approach reduces the time your aligners stay out of your mouth. Always place them in their case and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Winter sports add another consideration. Invisalign aligners don’t have brackets or wires that could cut your mouth, but they don’t protect like a custom sports mouthguard either. For contact sports such as hockey, or for activities with a high fall risk like skiing or snowboarding, remove your aligners and wear a proper athletic mouthguard. Focus on your dental safety. Store your aligners securely in their case and put them back in right after you finish playing to keep your treatment on track.
Keeping Your Smile on Track
With proper preparation and consistency, you can care for your Invisalign aligners year-round. If you integrate these habits, you enjoy everything our vibrant community offers while keeping your smile journey on course. The freedom and flexibility of Invisalign support a busy, active lifestyle. By taking these steps, you keep your treatment efficient and effective, bringing you closer to a confident, straight smile. Reach out whenever you need help with your specific treatment—we always want to support you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Can I drink coffee or tea with my Invisalign aligners in?
Don’t drink coffee, tea, or any colored or hot beverage with your aligners in place. Hot liquids can warp the aligners, making them fit poorly and work less effectively. Coffee, tea, and red wine stain aligners, so they lose their invisible appeal. Always take your aligners out before drinking these beverages, and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
What should I do if I lose or break an aligner?
Call our office right away if you lose or break an aligner. Don’t move to your next set until you consult us, because each set makes specific tooth movements. Depending on your stage, we might ask you to wear your previous set of aligners to prevent your teeth from shifting back, or we might let you move to your next set early. We will always recommend the best approach to keep your treatment on schedule.
We at Bisson Dentistry provide comprehensive dental care for families and individuals throughout the Guelph community. We use modern technology and a personalized approach to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. To learn more about our services or schedule a visit, please contact us.