The holidays are a time for celebrating with friends and family, which usually means juggling a calendar full of food and cocktails. How do you make it through the holiday season with SmileDirectClub clear aligners? Well, wear your clear aligners as much as possible. Remember not to drink anything while wearing them except cool, clear water, and carry a survival kit packed with a toothbrush, floss, and other essentials.

Here are some holiday survival tips from other grinners just like you:

1. Wear your aligners all day and night, except when eating and drinking.

Yes, this applies to holiday parties, too. Wear your aligners to your parties but make sure to bring your case along so you can safely remove them while you’re eating and drinking. As soon as you’ve had your fill, pop your aligners back in to keep your teeth a-movin’.

2. Don’t drink anything except cool, clear water while wearing your aligners.

Yes, champagne may look almost clear, but the sugars in that flute of bubbly could get trapped in your aligners and cause a cavity. The same goes for your favorite seltzer or sparking water, as well. We repeat: stick to cool, clear water to keep your teeth healthy and your aligners clear.

3. Brush and floss before putting your aligners in.

After you’ve enjoyed the holiday cookies and eggnog, make a quick dip into the restroom to brush and floss your teeth. This will clear your teeth of any lingering sugars or cavity-causing residue so that you can get back to wearing your aligners.

4. Pack some breath mints.

Chatting with friends at a party can be a little nerve-wracking if you’ve just stuffed your face with delicious, garlicky cheese dip. Make sure you’re keeping your breath fresh with aligner-friendly mints. Look for something like Movemints, which not only freshen breath, but are shaped to help give your aligners their best fit, too.

5. Pack a holiday survival kit.

Fill a small bag with a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, mints, lip balm, your aligner case, and whatever else you might need to make thriving with your aligners easy.

Check out these 13 essentials for your clear aligner care kit.

6. Don’t forget to smile.

You’re working hard for that new grin, so show it off. It’s a party, after all. Do a round of our bright on™️ premium teeth whitening the week before your big party, and watch as your bright smile lights up the room. Have additional tips to share? Leave a comment on Facebook or Instagram.

Ready to get started on your own smile journey? Start with a free smile assessment today!