A Dentist Explains What Foods an Invisalign® Wearer Should Avoid

Invisalign Stoughton, MA

Curious about what you can eat while undergoing Invisalign® treatment? Read on to learn more. What distinguishes Invisalign® from other teeth-straightening treatment options is that its adaptability and snug fit on the patient's teeth provide a discreet solution for a more attractive smile. Invisalign® treatment offers you the chance to eat without having to remove the aligner trays, as well as allowing you to clean your teeth and the device more easily and thoroughly. This article focuses on the importance of avoiding certain foods and beverages when wearing Invisalign® aligners.

Foods to avoid with Invisalign®

Some of the meals and drinks to avoid when wearing Invisalign include:

Hard foods

Potato chips and pretzels are unlikely to disrupt Invisalign treatment since they do not have the hardness required to move the teeth. However, foods like crunchy or chewy bread, hard candies, and raw carrots are just a few of the items that should be avoided during treatment. Hard sweets should be avoided since the residue they leave behind promotes plaque growth. Hard fruits and vegetables are a better choice, but they should be chopped into smaller bits. However, if feasible, softer fruits such as bananas, grapes, and strawberries should be the first choices.

Sticky foods and candies

Chewing gum is on the top of the "do not eat" list for people with braces. Chewing gum and Invisalign are a terrible mix, too. In reality, patients should avoid all sticky foods and sweets, not only gum. Jelly beans, caramel, and other sticky foods may pull on the aligners, potentially breaking or ruining them.

Drinks to avoid

Certain beverages, such as coffee, tea, and wine, may stain the Invisalign aligners. These beverages cause the aligner to darken, making the teeth appear discolored. The high temperatures of hot coffee, tea, and other hot beverages may distort or deform the aligners, thus leading to longer orthodontic treatment duration. It is essential to remember that beverages like sweetened soda and coffee may also be harmful to the teeth and one's general health.

While it is acceptable to drink these beverages once in a while, dentists recommend limiting consumption and always rinsing with water afterward. Soda is usually highly acidic, causing tooth enamel to erode. Additionally, the sugar from sodas will adhere to the teeth and provide bacteria with a food source.

Water is certainly the healthiest beverage available as it removes harmful bacteria. Sugary drinks, as well as acidic fruit juices, are not advisable. Coffee, like alcohol, can be consumed moderately, but patients should attempt to rinse or brush their teeth as soon as possible after consuming these drinks.

The bottom line

Invisalign treatment demands diligence. Brushing your teeth, cleaning your trays, and avoiding certain foods or behaviors will help your Invisalign treatment go more smoothly and quickly. If you are interested in Invisalign treatment or have any questions, contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://dentistryonpark.com or call Dentistry on Park, LLC at (781) 443-8131 for an appointment in our Stoughton office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Stoughton, MA.

Recent Posts

Discreetly Straighten Teeth With Invisalign

Invisalign® might be what you need if you are tired of always feeling self-conscious about your misaligned teeth but do not want to deal with metal braces. You are not alone; many people put off getting teeth straightening treatments to avoid the stares wearing braces can bring.Fortunately, Invisalign was invented a couple of decades ago…

Who Needs Invisalign Attachments?

Many people know that Invisalign® involves wearing a series of clear aligners that slowly straighten the teeth. However, not everyone knows about some of the tools that Invisalign uses to make that possible.One such tool is Invisalign attachments. These tiny dots that can be attached to your teeth are often necessary for treatment. You may…

Six FAQs About Invisalign

If you have dreamed of a straighter smile, you may have heard about Invisalign® as an alternative to braces. Traditional braces have been the go-to treatment option for general dentists for many years. However, many patients worry about the regular adjustments, eating restrictions, and discomfort of metal braces.Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners are…

Invisalign Is An Alternative To Metal Braces

Invisalign® is a new development when it comes to orthodontics. This teeth aligner tool is designed to be invisible and unobtrusive. Invisalign is for people looking for an alternative to traditional dental braces. If you are looking for an aligner without metal and wires, Invisalign might be the right option for you.Compared to traditional dental…

Recent Posts

The Cost Of Dental Restoration: A Comprehensive Guide

The Cost Of Dental Restoration: A Comprehensive Guide

Any dental restoration can be challenging to budget for. Discussing the particulars with your dentist can help you get a clear idea of the final amount. Understanding the specific elements of your dental procedure is important in setting your budget. Here is a comprehensive guide for determining the cost of your dental restoration.This dental restoration…

Preventative Dental Care For Healthy Dental Enamel

Preventative Dental Care For Healthy Dental Enamel

Preventative dental care is important for optimal oral health. It prevents bad breath, oral disease, tooth loss, among others.The enamel is the outermost part of the tooth. It is a white visible part above the gum. It is the part seen when you smile. The enamel is also the strongest layer of the tooth. It…