Invisalign® invisible braces are a popular treatment option for patients that want to correct their teeth. One of the downsides to traditional metal braces is that you have to be careful with what you eat. Not only are you forced to avoid hard foods, you also MUST avoid chewy, sticky foods.
Eating food is easier with Invisalign braces! Invisalign treatments correct your bite through the use of fully removable aligners. One key benefit of a fully removable aligner is that you can take it out whenever you want, like right before you eat. You’ll be better able to enjoy your favorite foods and desserts without the downside of traditional metal braces.
In general, teens and adult patients alike can benefit from Invisalign invisible braces over metal braces. However, how you eat while undergoing Invisalign treatment can impact your mouth adjustments. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind to help your treatment go as fast and smoothly as possible:
Top Tips for Invisalign Patients to Consider When Eating
The most important thing to remember is to never eat HARD or COURSE foods while wearing your Invisalign aligner or retainer. Invisalign trays are built tough, and are made of a long-lasting moldable plastic to guide your teeth even as you wear them all day long. Even so, these trays are not meant to chew food, and will likely get damaged if you eat the wrong type of food while wearing them.
However, even if you always remember to take your aligner out before eating, you’ll still need to be careful to avoid HARD foods that may damage the essential attachments needed for proper Invisalign treatment. In order to avoid other problems that come with Invisalign and eating, keep these tips in mind as well:
Brush your teeth after big meals
Whenever you eat food, bacteria and other food particles will cling to your teeth. Putting an aligner on your teeth will trap these harmful substances and can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay. Carry a travel toothbrush and quickly brush your teeth before you put your retainer in after eating.
Focus on drinking water during the day
One of the great benefits of Invisalign invisible braces is that other people will rarely notice that you’re wearing them. That isn’t true if you drink soda, coffee, juice, and other alternatives to water. Furthermore, non-water-based liquids can impact your aligner or retainer mold overtime. For the best appearance, try to stick to water as much as you can while wearing Invisalign aligners.
Avoid snacking, and wear your aligner at least 22 hours a day
Invisalign invisible braces are designed to provide a discrete, comfortable, and good looking alternative to metal braces. However, Invisalign aligners won’t correct your mouth if you don’t wear them enough. You need to wear your aligner at least 22 hours a day for successful treatment, so avoid snacking or taking out your aligner except when you have to.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Garrick F. Wong today!
No matter how old you are, you can look forward to a straighter smile with the help of Invisalign treatments. Invisalign invisible braces will correct your mouth just like traditional metal braces, while still allowing you to eat the foods you love most. Treatment is easy, comfortable, and affordable, and will have minimal impact on your day-to-day life.
If you live near Cos Cob, Connecticut, you can reach out to us to learn more if Invisalign invisible braces are right for you! Contact us if you would like to schedule an appointment, or if you have any other dental or orthodontic questions for our team.
With over 25 years of experience, we’re confident we can help you have a happier, brighter, and healthier smile!