Foods to Avoid While Using Invisalign®

Invisalign® offers a discreet solution for a more appealing smile, setting it apart from other teeth-straightening treatment choices. With Invisalign, you can eat normally and clean your teeth and device with ease. While using Invisalign aligners, it is important to refrain from eating certain foods and drinks to avoid compromising the treatment process.

Foods to avoid when wearing Invisalign®

When using Invisalign, patients should avoid certain foods and beverages, such as:

Hard foods

While undergoing treatment, it is important to refrain from eating hard foods, such as hard candies, raw carrots, and crunchy or chewy bread. Hard candies are not advisable because they leave behind debris that encourages plaque formation. Chopping hard fruits and veggies into tiny pieces makes them a good choice. It is better to opt for softer fruits like strawberries, bananas, and grapes.

Sticky foods

Typically, people who have braces should avoid chewing gum. This rule applies to Invisalign as well. It is a good idea to stay away from sticky foods. Sticky foods like jelly beans and caramel may get caught around the aligners and might damage or destroy them.

Beverages to avoid

Coffee, tea, and wine are just a few of the beverages that might discolor Invisalign aligners, causing the teeth to appear stained. Hot drinks may warp or bend the aligners, which can extend the time it takes for the orthodontic treatment to correct the bite. Sugary drinks, including soda and sweetened coffee, may be bad for the teeth and oral health.

Patients can consume these drinks every now and then, but it is important to practice moderation and rinse thoroughly with water after. Due to its acidity, soda may wear down tooth enamel. Furthermore, the sugar in sodas stays on the teeth and feeds the bacteria that cause oral issues.

Water flushes out harmful bacteria in the mouth, and is therefore the best option. The bottom line is to avoid sugary beverages and acidic fruit juices. As with alcohol, coffee is OK in moderation, but patients should try to clean their mouths out soon after drinking it.

Remove the aligners

One of the reasons Invisalign is so popular is the level of freedom it offers. Patients can take them off at any time. The only rule is to wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours daily if possible.

Therefore, it is OK to remove the aligners when eating a meal or drinking anything other than water. Users should store them safely to avoid damaging them. The important thing is to remember to rinse the mouth thoroughly or brush the teeth before wearing the aligners again.