Food and Drinks to Avoid With Invisalign

Improvements in dental technology have meant that straightening the teeth does not have to involve wearing traditional metal braces. Using Invisalign is a convenient option for people who want straight teeth without all the metalwork. Clear aligners have become a welcome option, especially for adults. 

 

But to reap all the benefits of using the aligners, you must follow the rules. How you use Invisalign will determine the results that you get. For example, it is vital to know the foods and drinks to avoid with Invisalign. 

 

Candy and Hard Foods

If you love hard candy, nuts, and other hard food, you will need to avoid them during the treatment. Hard foods are not recommended for people with dental issues as they can make the condition worse. 

 

Eating hard foods can push the teeth out of alignment. Some of the foods can even cause chips and cracks in the teeth. Avoid meat on bones and try to choose soft food. Cut the food into bite-size pieces before eating.  

 

Avoid Sugary Foods

If you love sugar, you should know that you are feeding the bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria growth can lead to tooth decay and bad breath, among other dental issues. Try to limit the sweets and sugary foods that you eat at any given time, and more so when using Invisalign. 

 

Get your sugar from healthy fruits like grapes and strawberries. Biting into pears and apples might not be good for your teeth. A healthy diet will go a long way in improving your overall dental health. 

 

Chewy or Sticky Food

If you love chewing gum, this is a habit that you need to break before you start your Invisalign treatment. You also need to avoid foods that tend to stick to the mouth long after you have eaten. 

 

The food debris can encourage the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar both on the teeth surfaces and on the trays. The buildup can encourage tooth decay. It is necessary to be conscientious about your oral care during your Invisalign treatment. 

 

Stain-Causing Liquids

Some drinks can stain the teeth. Drinks such as coffee, tea, soda, and red wine can stain not just the teeth but also the aligners. Hot drinks can also damage or distort the shape of the plastic Invisalign aligners. You should avoid drinking the liquids while wearing the aligners and brush your teeth immediately after your drink. 

 

Avoid Acidic Drinks 

Acidic drinks such as citric juices can damage the teeth. They can erode the enamel, which can lead to tooth decay. Keeping your teeth healthy will make the Invisalign treatment easier and faster. Avoid spicy foods as they are often acidic.

 

Invisalign aligners are flexible and comfortable to use. They are removable, meaning that you remove them before you eat and for cleaning. It is vital to make sure that you wear them as recommended. 

 

This means that you should wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Removing them too frequently every time you need to snack can interfere with the treatment process. You should plan your meals well and watch what you eat.


 

For more on the foods to avoid with Invisalign, contact Ofir Orthodontics at our office in Downey, California. You can call (562) 396-9820 today to schedule an appointment.