A Dentist Explains What Foods an Invisalign® Wearer Should Avoid

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.

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