Originally from Texas, Dr. Bennett made Washington home in 2016 when he joined Creekside Dental. A Baylor College of Dentistry graduate, he now serves as Clinical Director, where he’s known for raising clinical standards, embracing new technology, and sharing his passion for dentistry with patients and colleagues alike. Under his leadership, Creekside Dental has earned recognition as an Invisalign Gold Provider and is an active member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA), reflecting the team’s commitment to excellence in clear aligner treatment.
Beyond the office, Dr. Bennett is a dedicated family man, sharing his life with his wife and five children. He’s a foodie who loves to cook, a cyclist who enjoys the open road, and someone who never says no to a hug. At Creekside Dental, he’s thrilled to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Invisalign in Tri-Cities, WA: 10 Tips for Fitting Orthodontics Into Your Active Lifestyle
Living an active lifestyle is about balance. You may be working out in the gym, running after kids, managing a busy job, traveling often, or even competing in sports. With so much going on, many people assume orthodontic treatment would slow them down. But that’s where Invisalign comes in. These clear aligners make it easier than ever to straighten your teeth without missing out on the activities you love.
At Creekside Dental, Dr. Bennett makes Invisalign easy to fit into daily life. He starts with scans, photos, and X-rays, followed by a computer simulation called a clin check that shows how your smile will improve. Discover Invisalign tips with Dr. Bennett and see how simple the process can be. Once you approve the plan, you begin wearing your trays day and night, with a process designed to fit smoothly into your schedule.
In this blog, we’ll go over 10 essential tips for making Invisalign work with an active lifestyle. These are practical, easy-to-follow strategies that help keep your treatment on track while allowing you to live the life you want.
1. Understand the Basics of Invisalign and Your Treatment Plan
The first step in fitting Invisalign into your lifestyle is knowing what to expect. With Dr. Bennett, the journey begins with data collection: scans, photos, and X-rays. About three weeks later, you’ll review your clin check. This is a computer animation that shows how your teeth will move and how long treatment should take.
After you approve the plan, you’ll start your first trays. Invisalign must be worn at all times; day, night, while working out, traveling, or even sleeping. You only remove them to clean your teeth or brush. Knowing this helps you prepare for the commitment while making small adjustments in your routine.
2. Stick to the 24/7 Wear Rule
Active individuals sometimes think they can “take a break” from wearing aligners during sports, workouts, or other events. However, the truth is that steady pressure is what makes Invisalign effective. Dr. Bennett always says, ‘The only thing you really need to do is wear your trays consistently.’ He takes care of the rest.
You’ll receive multiple trays at once, so you can switch them out at home according to your schedule. This reduces the need for office visits and provides flexibility. Find out how Dr. Bennett supports active Invisalign wearers so you can keep up with the gym, a pickup game, or even a business meeting while your aligners stay in.
3. Prepare for Sports and Fitness
If you play contact sports, you might wonder if aligners are safe. The good news is they generally are. Invisalign trays are smooth and fit snugly, so they don’t cut your mouth like traditional braces might. For high-impact sports, you may need a separate mouthguard, which can be fitted over your aligners.
For gym workouts, running, yoga, or cycling, there’s no problem at all. Just remember to stay hydrated, and if you drink anything besides water, rinse your mouth and trays right after.
4. Keep Trays Clean and Fresh on the Go
Active lifestyles often mean you’re not always at home. You may be at the office, traveling, or spending long hours outside. Maintaining Invisalign aligners with guidance from Dr. Bennett is easier when you keep a small kit with you that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a case for your trays.
If you can’t brush right away after eating, at least rinse your mouth and aligners with water. This prevents bacteria and staining. Dr. Bennett reminds patients that aligners are part of your smile, and keeping them clean is just as important as brushing your teeth.
5. Plan Around Meals and Snacks
Eating with Invisalign takes a little forethought. Meals need a bit of planning. This doesn’t mean you need to stop snacking altogether, but you’ll want to be intentional about it. For example, if you’re at work or school, try to group snacks with meals.
If you enjoy a snack on the go, such as a protein bar or fruit, be sure to brush or rinse before putting your aligners back in. This prevents the trapping of food particles that can cause cavities or unpleasant odors.
6. Travel Made Easy with Invisalign
Frequent flyers and travelers love Invisalign because it’s portable. Dr. Bennett often gives patients multiple trays to take home, which saves time and appointments. When traveling, pack an extra set of aligners in your carry-on bag. That way, if you misplace one set, you won’t fall behind in treatment.
Also, remember that new retainers or trays are part of the plan down the line. If you’re happy with your smile after Invisalign, learn the Invisalign routine recommended by Dr. Bennett. Retainers resemble trays but are slightly thicker. These are especially useful for travelers because they double as night guards and whitening trays.
7. Hydration and Healthy Habits
One of the simplest yet most powerful tips: stick to water while wearing aligners. Sports drinks, sodas, coffee, or energy drinks can stain trays and teeth. If you do enjoy them, clean up your trays right after consuming.
For runners, hikers, or fitness enthusiasts, carrying a water bottle is key. Staying hydrated not only keeps your aligners fresh but also helps your overall health.
8. Handling Attachments and IPR in Active Life
Some patients will need attachments, small, tooth-colored buttons placed on teeth to help move them more reliably. Others may need IPR (interproximal reduction, or polishing between teeth to create tiny spaces for movement). These are simple steps, but important for success.
Dr. Bennett customizes these based on your needs. The good news is that neither attachments nor IPR interferes with your daily activities. You can still run, swim, cycle, or travel without restrictions. Just remember that aligners must be worn over attachments for the movement to happen properly.
9. Make Invisalign Part of Your Daily Routine
The best way to fit Invisalign into an active lifestyle is to make it a natural part of your routine. Switch trays on the same day of the week. Invisalign and active lifestyle advice from Dr. Bennett includes cleaning them at the same time each day, like after breakfast and before bed.
Dr. Bennett’s system of giving multiple trays at once helps you stay on schedule without constant appointments. You’ll feel more in control, and Invisalign will feel less like “extra work” and more like part of your routine.
10. Don’t Forget Retainers for the Long Run
Your Invisalign journey doesn’t end when the last tray comes out. To maintain your smile, you’ll need to wear retainers. These are worn at night and work effectively to protect teeth from grinding and clenching. They also double as whitening trays.
Over time, retainers can stretch, causing teeth to shift. Research says you should replace them at least every two years. Dr. Bennett offers options to purchase new retainers when needed, so your active life doesn’t get interrupted by shifting teeth.
FAQ’s
Q1. Can I play sports while wearing Invisalign?
Yes. For most sports, Invisalign is safe. For high-contact activities, wear a mouthguard over your aligners to protect your teeth and aligners.
Q2. Do I need to remove Invisalign when drinking coffee or sports drinks?
We recommend drinking with your aligners, but please be cautious, as they may stain.
Q3. What happens if I lose a tray while traveling?
Always carry an extra set in your bag. If you lose a tray, move to the next set or contact Dr. Bennett for advice.
Stay Active and Confident with Invisalign
Invisalign is designed to fit into your life, not the other way around. With Dr. Bennett’s customized approach at Creekside Dental, you’ll get a treatment plan that respects your schedule, minimizes office visits, and still delivers the smile you want. Discover how Dr. Bennett helps you stay active with Invisalign, from workouts to travel, from busy jobs to family time. Invisalign lets you stay active without compromise.
The key is consistency: wear your trays, clean them, and follow the plan. With these 10 tips, Invisalign becomes less of a chore and more of a lifestyle companion. By the time you finish, you’ll have a smile that’s not only straighter but also a reflection of your active, confident life.
Remember: Wear your trays every day and night. Dr. Bennett will handle the rest.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional dental advice. Every patient’s case is unique, and treatment results may vary. Please consult directly with Dr. Bennett at Creekside Dental for personalized care and recommendations.