A common option for straightening teeth without the use of conventional braces is Invisalign. Eating and drinking are more convenient because the aligners may be taken out.
In order to protect your teeth and your aligners, you must still abide by a few basic guidelines. Your treatment will go more smoothly, and your smile will remain healthy if you know what foods to eat and which to avoid.
Foods You Can Eat
You can eat most things since you can remove your Invisalign aligners. Here are a few safe and healthful options:
Fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and raw vegetables are healthy. Always remove your aligners before eating to prevent damage or stains.
Soft foods: Yogurt, eggs, pasta, rice, and soft-cooked vegetables are easy on your teeth and aligners.
Protein sources: Chicken, tofu, fish, and beans are good for you and will not harm your liver as long as you take them out before eating.
Snacks: Nuts, cheese, and granola bars are fine to eat if you take your aligners out first.
Be sure to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after eating, before putting your aligners back in. This helps keep food from getting stuck and lowers the chances of cavities or stains.
Things You Shouldn’t Eat or Drink
Some meals and drinks could damage your Invisalign aligners or make your treatment take longer.
Candy, caramel, and gum are all sugary or sticky foods that can stick to your teeth and aligners. This makes it more likely that you will have cavities.
Nuts, ice, and hard sweets are examples of hard items that can break or bend your aligners.
Colored drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda can leave marks on your aligners and make them look less clear. If you don’t take your plastic aligners out beforehand, hot drinks like coffee or tea can bend them.
Always remove your aligners before consuming any of these meals or beverages. After that, wipe your aligners and rinse your mouth before replacing them.
Tips for Maintaining Your Aligners
- Remove your aligners whenever you eat or drink anything except water.
- Brush and floss often to keep your teeth clean and avoid cavities.
- Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water and gently brush them to get rid of any debris.
- Store your aligners in its case whenever it is not being used to prevent losing or damaging it.
You can keep your aligners clear, minimize treatment delays, and have a healthy smile while you’re getting Invisalign by following these suggestions.
Make an appointment for your Invisalign consultation.
Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry might be able to help you find a safe and comfortable solution to get your teeth straight. Our team can help you with how to use Invisalign, how to take care of your aligners, and what to consume while you’re undergoing treatment. To make an appointment for your consultation and start on the path to a beautiful smile, call us at (949) 552-1380.