Avoid These Things After Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that can give you the perfect smile of your dreams. Invisalign is known for straightening your teeth without requiring awkward metal braces. It is a great solution for teenagers because it is almost invisible, but just like braces and other dental treatments, you need to consider some dos and don’ts.
Dietary Guidelines for Invisalign
One benefit of Invisalign treatment in Oakland is that it straightens your teeth without restricting your diet. With metal braces, patients need to stay away from sticky or hard foods.
On the other hand, Invisalign has far fewer dietary requirements. You need to wear the clear aligning trays between 20 – 22 hours/day. It means you just have the time to eliminate Invisalign for eating meals.
Here are the Invisalign dietary rules that every patient must adhere to:
1. Remove Your Aligners to Eat
You might be tempted to eat with your aligners in, but the biting force from snacking between meals can harm or crack your aligners. So, take your Invisalign aligners out to eat, then rinse your mouth before putting them back in to avoid discomfort from any stuck food.
2. Avoid Chewing Gum
Don’t chew gum while wearing your aligners. Gum can impair your orthodontic treatment, stick to your aligners, and wear your aligners out prematurely from the repetitive chewing motion.
3. Brush Regularly
Any food particle or bacteria lingering in between and on teeth can increase the risk of tooth decay. Thus, it’s a good idea to brush after eating before putting your aligners back in your mouth. Stay prepared during the day with small disposable toothbrushes.
4. Avoid Icy and Spicy Foods
Do not consume icy and spicy foods as much as possible. Icy foods can lead to cracks in teeth. On the other hand, spicy foods are acidic. They will break down your teeth and the aligners trays installed.
5. Refrain from Tobacco
If you consume tobacco daily, refrain from this habit because the residue left from chewing it can make your clear aligner trays and teeth appear yellowish.
6. Avoid Sugary Foods
Do not intake any sugary food. If you do, it can cause build-up around your aligners. This can result in bad breath, cavities, gum diseases, and other serious dental problems.
7. Focus on Nutritious Foods in Diet
Try to consume a diet rich in nutritious foods. It helps you to strengthen your gums ad teeth and gums during the tooth alignment process. Add dairy foods rich in calcium and protein. Consuming veggies and fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber is also a good idea.
8. Water Only
For your aligner to stay clear, you should avoid colored beverages and food at all costs. Drinking water while your Invisalign is in your mouth will prevent discoloration on it. The biggest advantage is that you can drink cool water as much as you can daily without even eliminating your trays.
Foods & Liquids to Avoid After Invisalign Treatment
You can eat and drink anything you like while going through Invisalign treatment, unlike traditional braces. Just be sure to take your aligners out because this will remove the risk of breaking your clear aligners and hindering your orthodontic treatment.
Never chew anything with your aligners in, or you risk damaging them and prolonging your treatment. You should avoid certain foods and drinks because they can stain the clear plastic aligners:
– Coffee
– Beets
– Berries
– Soft drinks or soda
– Tea
– Wine
It’s also a good idea to avoid any food that can get stuck between your teeth and the aligner trays, such as popcorn or candy. Also, avoid very hot or very cold beverages as they could warp the aligners.
Book Your Invisalign Treatment at Franklin Dental Care
Invisalign is a great alternative to conventional braces. When taking into account what to drink and eat, it is also essential to focus on the Invisalign aligner wear schedule. By avoiding specific food and beverages that are known to damage your Invisalign in Oakland, CA, you face minimal consequences after your Invisalign treatment.
Have any questions? Call us for assistance or to book an appointment at Franklin Dental Care today.