A Guide to Eating Well During Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign treatment is a practical alternative to traditional metal braces, providing a discreet and comfortable way to correct the alignment of your teeth. But even though it is more convenient, you should still pay attention to what you eat throughout the Invisalign treatment. Certain foods can help make the most of your Invisalign experience, while other foods could ruin your aligners or put them at risk of discoloration. Read on to find out which foods are best (and worst) to eat while wearing your Invisalign trays.
What to Eat During Invisalign Treatment
When you’re undergoing cosmetic dental treatment, such as Invisalign, an expert in aesthetic dentistry will inform you about several foods you need to avoid to protect your teeth, gums, and aligners.
Here are some types of food you should include in your diet:
1. Soft Foods
These are generally much easier to chew and will not damage your aligners. They are also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that aid in protecting your teeth. Examples of soft foods to eat while wearing Invisalign include things like:
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked veggies
- Soups
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
2. Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are filled with important nutrients like vitamin C that can help protect against gum disease as well as stain development on your aligners. However, several fruits, like apples and pears, should be cut into smaller pieces before consumption. Furthermore, veggies can be difficult to chew when using your aligners, so it’s best to go for softer cooked options.
3. Dairy Products
Dairy products are an excellent calcium and vitamin D source that will help support your dental health during Invisalign treatment. Choose dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and milk that are low in sugar and protein for the best results.
What Not to Eat During Invisalign Treatment
Just like there are foods you should eat while receiving Invisalign treatment, your dentist will advise you to stay away from certain foods that could damage your aligners. These can damage your aligners, cause discoloration and staining, or increase the risk of tooth cavities and gum disease.
Examples of food to avoid while wearing Invisalign consist of the following:
1. Hard, Crunchy, and Chewy Foods
Foods that are hard, crunchy, and chewy can add stress to your aligners and damage them. This includes:
- Sweet
- Chips
- Pretzels
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Raw carrots sticks
- Bread crusts
- Hard taco shells
2. Sticky Foods
Sticky foods like chewy candy or gummies can get stuck in between the trays and teeth, causing plaque buildup on your teeth. This raises your risk for dental caries in the course of treatment. Sticky substances can also lead to discoloration of the aligners if they are not cleaned correctly.
3. Sugary Foods
Eating foods high in sugar can significantly increase your risk of cavities and gum disease while wearing Invisalign. Sugary foods, like soft drinks and sweets, should be avoided to keep your teeth healthy during and after treatment.
Get appointment here to learn more about what foods to avoid during Invisalign treatment and how to care for your teeth.
How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners
The following are some recommendations to make your Invisalign treatment as successful and comfortable as possible:
- Rinse with lukewarm water after every meal to get rid of food particles.
- Brush and floss on a regular basis to keep your teeth clean.
- Remove your aligners while eating or drinking anything aside from water, and keep them in the given container when not using them. Never use hot water, as this can warp the aligners.
- Soak your aligners in the provided cleaning solution for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, twice or thrice a week, to keep them clean and bacteria-free.
- Visit your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings, or see more here for guidance on maintaining your Invisalign aligners.
Conclusion
The foods you eat can have a significant effect on your Invisalign treatment. Eating soft, nutritious foods and avoiding hard, chewy, and sugary snacks is vital to keeping your teeth healthy while wearing aligners. Additionally, take good care of your aligners by cleaning them consistently and removing them when eating or drinking anything other than water.