If you are one of the many people who have chosen Invisalign to correct your teeth, congratulations! Invisalign is a great way to achieve a straighter smile without having to deal with the traditional metal braces. However, there are some things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to eating with Invisalign to ensure that your Invisalign treatment goes smoothly. Here is a complete guide to eating with Invisalign:
Minimize coffee consumption
Invisalign is a popular treatment for correcting misaligned teeth. The aligners are made of clear plastic and are nearly invisible when worn. Invisalign treatment typically takes 12 months or less, and many patients see significant improvements in the alignment of their teeth within a few weeks. One of the great things about Invisalign is that it does not require any special diet or lifestyle changes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when eating with Invisalign. It is important to avoid coffee and other dark-colored beverages that can stain the aligners, so it is best to minimize coffee consumption during treatment. This is especially important if you are trying to achieve a very white smile. Coffee can quickly stained the aligners and make them more visible. If you must drink coffee, be sure to brush your teeth and aligners afterwards.
Avoid hard, sticky food
In general, it’s best to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy food. This includes items like hard candy, gum, nuts, and popcorn. These foods can damage your aligners or get stuck in them, making them difficult to clean. Sticky foods, like caramel and taffy, can also adhere to your aligners and cause similar problems. Of course, you don’t have to avoid all snacks altogether. Just be sure to choose softer options like fruit, yogurt, and cheese.
You are also likely to find that your teeth are more sensitive during Invisalign treatment, so it is best to avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks. This is because the aligners can act as a insulator, trapping heat or cold in your mouth which can cause discomfort.
Keep snacking to a minimum
It can be tricky to eat with Invisalign, especially at first. However, it is important to try to eat a well-balanced diet during treatment. This means getting all the nutrients your body needs, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. To make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need, it is best to eat three meals per day and avoid snacking in between meals. Snacking can damage your aligners and make it difficult to clean your teeth properly. But if you want to snack, you can cut up your food into small pieces. This will make it easier to eat without taking your aligners out. For example, you can cut up an apple into small pieces or have baby carrots as a snack.
You may also want to avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice. These drinks can damage your teeth and increase the risk of cavities. If you do drink sugary beverages, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards. You should also drink plenty of water. This will help to keep your mouth hydrated and will make it easier to eat with Invisalign in.
Say goodbye to gum
It’s official: You can’t have gum while wearing Invisalign. That’s because gum is made of a type of rubber that can stick to the aligners and leave behind an unsightly mess. In addition, gum contains sugar that can promote cavities and tooth decay. So what’s a teeth-straightening patient to do when a craving for something sweet strikes? Luckily, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious options that are compatible with Invisalign. Here are a few of our favorites:
Fruit: Apples, bananas, and grapes are all excellent choices.
Veggies: Carrots, celery, and broccoli are all great options. They’re low in sugar and full of healthy vitamins and minerals. Plus, they help promote saliva production, which can protect your teeth from cavities.
Cheese: Cheese is a great source of calcium, which is essential for strong teeth. It’s also low in sugar and unlikely to stick to your aligners.
Gum can be a tough habit to break, but it’s important to kick the gum habit while you’re wearing Invisalign. Not only will this help to keep your aligners clean, but it will also protect your teeth from cavities and decay.
Keep on brushing
One of the most important things to remember is to keep on brushing! Even though your aligners are clear, they can still harbor bacteria and plaque. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and don’t forget to brush your aligners as well. You should also floss at least once a day in order to remove any food particles that may be stuck in between your teeth. For example, you can floss before bedtime to remove any food that may be stuck in your teeth from the day’s meals.
Conclusion
Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile of your dreams. With proper care, you can wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day and still enjoy all your favorite foods. Just remember to brush often, floss daily, and kick the gum habit while you’re wearing Invisalign. And if you have any questions about how to care for your aligners or what foods to avoid, be sure to ask your orthodontist. They will be happy to help you keep your smile looking its best. Eating with Invisalign doesn’t have to be difficult. It just takes a little bit of planning and preparation. With these tips, you can enjoy all your favorite foods while wearing Invisalign.