Invisalign treatment is a helpful alternative to traditional metal braces, providing a discreet and comfy way to correct the alignment of your teeth. But even though it is more convenient, you should still keep an eye on what you eat throughout the Invisalign treatment. Certain foods can help make the most of your Invisalign experience, while other foods can damage your aligners or put them at risk of discoloration. Continue reading to learn which foods are best (and worst) to eat while using your Invisalign trays.
What to Eat During Invisalign Treatment
When you’re undergoing an oral cosmetic procedure, such as Invisalign, there are a couple of foods you should stay away from to protect your teeth, gums, and aligners.
Here are some types of food you must incorporate into your diet:
1. Soft Foods
These are generally easier to chew and will not damage your aligners. They are also packed with necessary vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that aid in protecting your teeth. Examples of soft foods to consume while wearing Invisalign include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked veggies
- Soups
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
2. Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are loaded with valuable nutrients like vitamin C that can help prevent gum disease along with stain formation on your aligners. However, many fruits, like apples and pears, must be cut into smaller portions before intake. Furthermore, vegetables can be difficult to eat when using your aligners, so choosing softer-cooked options is best.
3. Dairy Products
Dairy products are a great calcium and vitamin D source that will help support your dental health throughout Invisalign treatment. Opt for dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk that are low in sugar and protein for the best results.
If you have more questions about the maintenance of your Invisalign, you can look up “cosmetic dentistry near me” to find and contact the experts.
What Not to Eat During Invisalign Treatment
Just like there are foods you should eat while undergoing Invisalign treatment, your dentist will instruct you to avoid certain foods that could damage your aligners. These can damage your aligners, cause discoloration and staining, or increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Examples of food to avoid while wearing Invisalign include:
1. Hard, Crunchy, and Chewy Foods
Foods that are hard, crunchy, and chewy can put stress on 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, leading to plaque buildup on your teeth. This raises your risk for cavities in the course of treatment. Sticky substances can also lead to discoloration of the aligners if they are not cleaned adequately.
3. Sugary Foods
Eating foods high in sugar can drastically increase your risk of cavities and gum disease while using Invisalign. Sugary foods, like soft drinks and sweets, should be avoided to keep your teeth healthy throughout and after treatment.
How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners
The following are some recommendations to get more information from a dentist on how to make your Invisalign treatment as successful and comfortable as possible:
- Rinse with lukewarm water after every mealtime to remove food particles.
- Brush and floss on a regular basis to keep your teeth clean.
- Remove your aligners while eating or drinking anything other than water, and store them in the provided container when not wearing them. Never use hot water, as this can warp the aligners.
- Soak your aligners in the provided cleaning solution for at least 20 to 30 minutes, twice or three times a week, to keep them clean and bacteria-free.
- Book an appointment through this website to see your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings.
Conclusion
The foods you eat can have a significant impact on your Invisalign treatment. Eating soft, nutritious foods and staying away from hard, chewy, and sugary snacks is key to always keeping your teeth healthy while wearing aligners. In addition, take good care of your aligners by cleaning them consistently and removing them when eating or drinking anything other than water.