Invisalign treatment is an effective option to traditional metal braces, delivering a discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth. But despite being more convenient, you should still keep an eye on what you eat during Invisalign treatment. Certain foods can help make the most of your Invisalign experience, while other foods could damage your aligners or put them at risk of discoloration. Read on to find out which foods are best (and worst) to eat while using your Invisalign trays.
What to Eat During Invisalign Treatment
When going through an oral cosmetic procedure, such as Invisalign, a cosmetic dentist Vienna will advise you on which foods to avoid in order to protect your teeth, gums, and aligners.
Below are some types of food you must incorporate right into your diet:
1. Soft Foods
These are generally much easier to chew and will not damage your aligners. They are also loaded 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 vegetables
- Soups
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
2. Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are filled with valuable nutrients like vitamin C that can help prevent gum disease along with stain development on your aligners. However, several fruits, like apples and pears, must be cut into smaller portions prior to consumption. Furthermore, veggies can be difficult to chew when wearing your aligners, so choosing softer-cooked is the best.
3. Dairy Products
Dairy products are an excellent calcium and vitamin D source that will certainly help maintain your dental health throughout Invisalign treatment. Choose dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and milk that are low in sugar and high in protein for the best results.
What Not to Eat During Invisalign Treatment
Just like there are foods you need to eat while receiving Invisalign treatment, your dentist will instruct you to avoid certain foods that could damage your aligners. These can damage your aligners, cause staining, or increase the risk of tooth cavities and periodontal disease. See here to know more.
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, causing plaque buildup on your teeth. This increases your risk for dental caries during treatment. Sticky substances can also result in 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 using Invisalign. Sugary foods, like soft drinks and sweets, must be avoided to help keep your teeth healthy during and after treatment.
How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners
The following are some tips to make your Invisalign treatment as successful and comfy as possible:
- Rinse with lukewarm water after every meal to remove 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 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, two times or thrice a week, to keep them clean and bacteria-free.
- See your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings. Additionally, consulting an expert in general dentistry for your family is the best resource for answering your questions about Invisalign and maintaining optimal oral health.
Conclusion
The foods you consume can have a significant effect on your Invisalign treatment. Eating soft, healthy foods and staying away from hard, chewy, and sugary snacks is key to always 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.
