Tips for Helping Your Teen Keep Track of Their Invisalign Trays

Clear, comfortable, and quick. It’s no wonder so many teens are choosing Invisalign® to straighten their teeth. But unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. 

If you had braces as a teen, you may recall losing track of your removable retainer and fishing it out of the trash bin on more than one occasion. These memories may have you reconsidering Invisalign for your teen.

At Solay Dental in Oldsmar, Florida, our skilled dentist, Dr. Shiva Soleimani, is an Invisalign provider and knows how well the teeth straightening system works for those who closely follow the plan. We also understand concerns parents have about their teens' ability to adhere to Invisalign treatment.

Here, we want to share some tips that can help your teen keep track of their Invisalign trays so they can get great results quickly.

1. Talk to your teen 

Invisalign is a teeth straightening system that uses a series of removable clear aligners, or trays, that gently and methodically move teeth into a straighter position. Your teen’s set of aligners are custom-made to fit their teeth and treatment plan.

They must wear their aligners up to 22 hours a day, only removing them to eat and brush and floss their teeth, changing to a new set of trays every one to two weeks. Wearing the trays as recommended ensures your teen gets fast results.

Losing track of their Invisalign trays may prolong treatment and delay their new smile. 

Before starting Invisalign, talk to your teen about the teeth straightening system, how it works, and your expectations. Explain that it’s their responsibility to wear and keep track of their aligners. 

2. Get a highly visible case

Your teen may lose track of their Invisalign tray when they take it out to eat or brush their teeth. Make sure they have a case to put their tray in when they remove it. So, instead of wrapping their clear aligner in a napkin at lunch, they put it into its designated storage case. 

The storage case not only protects the Invisalign clear aligner, but also serves as a visual reminder for your teen, preventing them from accidentally throwing it in the trash. They can make it even more noticeable by getting a brightly colored case or covering it in stickers.

3. Add a bigger case

Invisalign cases are essential for helping your teen keep track of their aligners, but they can get lost too. If you have concerns your teen may lose track of their Invisalign tray case in their backpack or lunchroom, get them a toiletry bag that helps keep the case separate from books and lunch bags.

They can also carry a toothbrush and toothpaste in the toiletry bag so they can brush their teeth after they eat before putting the clear aligner back in their mouth. 

4. Designate a spot for trays 

Have your teen designate a spot where they plan to keep their Invisalign trays when they’re not in their mouth. At school, your teen may keep their trays in a specific pocket in their backpack or in their toiletry case. At home, they may want to keep the aligners on their bedside table or in the bathroom. 

5. Set up a reminder system

Your teen needs to make keeping track of their Invisalign trays part of their daily routine. It can take time for their tracking system to become a habit. Use reminders to help them, such as sticky notes on the bathroom mirror or in their lunchbox. 

Your teen can also use an aligner tracking app to help them form these new habits.

Invisalign works fast and your teen may see improvements in their smile within weeks after starting treatment. These results may keep them motivated to continue their treatment and keep track of their trays.

If you’re considering Invisalign for your teen, we can talk to you about the innovative teeth straightening system and help you decide if it makes a good choice. Call our office today or book an appointment with our Invisalign expert online.