Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and teenagers who want to improve their smile without metal brackets and wires.
Food Do’s and Don’ts When Wearing Invisalign
While Invisalign may be more convenient than traditional braces, there are still certain food do’s and don’ts that patients should be aware of to ensure their treatment is successful.
Do’s
Certain foods are better than others if you have Invisalign. Below are some do’s to follow to know some good food practices when wearing an Invisalign.
1. Stick to Soft Foods
When wearing Invisalign, it’s important to stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and won’t damage or dislodge the aligners. This includes things like mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs, and applesauce.
2. Cut Hard Foods into Small Pieces
If you’re craving something a bit harder, like apples or carrots, make sure to cut them into small pieces to make them easier to chew. This will also reduce the risk of damaging or dislodging the aligners.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for Invisalign patients. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your mouth clean and ensure that the aligners stay in place.
Don’ts
While there are good practices you can do, there are also certain things to avoid. Below are the don’ts you need to remember to keep your Invisalign safe.
1. Avoid Sticky or Chewy Foods
Sticky and chewy foods, such as gum, taffy, and caramel, can easily get stuck in the aligners and damage them. It’s best to avoid these kinds of foods altogether.
2. Don’t Eat Hard Foods
Hard foods like nuts and hard candy can damage or dislodge the aligners. It’s best to avoid these kinds of foods altogether.
3. Don’t Drink Sugary Beverages
Sugary beverages, such as soda and juice, can cause plaque buildup and damage the aligners. Stick to water or unsweetened tea instead.
Other Maintenance Tips When Wearing Invisalign
To ensure your Invisalign lasts long, you need to take care of them properly. Here are some other maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your Invisalign treatment.
1. Clean Your Aligners Regularly
You should clean your aligners regularly to prevent plaque buildup. To do this, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You should also soak your aligners in a denture cleaner or an effervescent tablet once a week to eliminate any bacteria and food particles.
2. Wear Your Aligners for the Recommended Amount of Time
It’s important to wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time (usually 22-23 hours per day) to maximize their effectiveness. If you’re unsure how long you should wear your aligners, you should talk to your orthodontist.
3. Be Careful When Cleaning Your Teeth
When brushing and flossing your teeth, you should be careful not to damage your aligners. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You should also avoid using dental floss threaders, which can damage your aligners.
4. Avoid Activities That Could Damage Your Aligners
You should avoid activities that could cause your aligners to crack or break. These activities include chewing on hard objects (such as ice cubes) or participating in contact sports.
5. Don’t Forget to Wear Your Retainer
Once your Invisalign treatment is finished, you’ll need to wear a retainer to make sure your teeth stay in their new position. Make sure you follow your orthodontist’s instructions when wearing your retainer.
Conclusion
Invisalign-wearers need to be aware of the special rules of wearing their braces. Eating should be done carefully and with special attention to the types of foods being consumed. Hard and crunchy foods, as well as extremely sticky foods, should be avoided. Additionally, it’s important to take the braces out before eating and to brush and floss after eating to avoid any buildup of food particles. Practicing these rules can help ensure that the Invisalign-wearers maintain a healthy and attractive smile.
If you need a dentist in Framingham, you can visit us at Comfort Dental of Framingham. We offer dental services for families and individuals, such as cosmetic procedures, and more. Book an appointment with us at Comfort Dental of Framingham and have your teeth checked today!
