5 Foods to Skip While Wearing Invisalign

Invisalign​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is perfect for individuals seeking a discreet and comfortable method of teeth alignment. Nevertheless, it is essential to keep your Invisalign aligners clean and in good shape. During the treatment, you should concentrate on what you consume. Some foods can cause your aligners to break or even slow your treatment progress. This blog is about five foods you must avoid while wearing Invisalign to keep your treatment on track and your smile radiant.

1. Sticky or Chewy Foods

Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and gummy candies are the most common and the most harmful factors that lead to the destruction of the Invisalign aligners. These foods attach to your aligners, making it difficult to separate and clean them thoroughly. This, in the long run, results in the accumulation of bacteria and plaque, which are the main factors behind dental health issues.

Tip: Remove your aligners when eating sticky foods, and brush your teeth afterward to prevent any residue from building up.

2. Hard Foods

Crunchy or hard foods, such as nuts, ice, and hard candies, can break your Invisalign aligners. If you press your teeth against a hard food, it may cause a crack in the plastic or deform it, which is likely to extend your treatment duration or even require replacements.

With our Invisalign in Portage Park, IL, we recommend sticking to soft or easy-to-chew foods while wearing your aligners to help keep them in perfect condition.

3.​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Colored Foods

Dark-colored foods such as coffee, red wine, berries, and soy sauce can stain your aligners, making them more noticeable and, therefore, less effective in straightening your teeth. Although the Invisalign in Portage Park, IL, is transparent, some pigments can penetrate the plastic and cause discoloration, which can affect the appearance of your treatment.

Tip: If you consume any colored foods or drinks, make sure you brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in.

4. Sugary Snacks and Drinks

Sugary snacks and drinks such as soda, candy, and sugary coffee are harmful to your oral health. Sugar can cause tooth decay and cavities, mainly when it stays on your teeth for a while while your aligners are in place.

Tip: Do not forget to clean your aligners, and at the same time, avoid sugary foods by choosing healthier snacks like fresh fruits or vegetables whenever possible.

5. Alcoholic Beverages

On the one hand, alcohol does not have any direct impact on the functioning of Invisalign aligners, but on the other hand, it can dry out your mouth and cause you to have a higher risk of cavities. Many alcoholic drinks, particularly cocktails, contain sugar and acid, which can therefore lead to enamel erosion.

Tip: Always take off your aligners if you want to have an alcoholic drink, and also make sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.

Conclusion: Maintaining Your Invisalign Treatment

Maintaining your Invisalign in Portage Park, IL, is not easy and requires significant commitment. Watching what you eat is one of the critical factors that will guarantee the success of your treatment. You can preserve your aligners and achieve the best results in the shortest time by avoiding sticky, hard, colored, sugary, and alcoholic foods.

We at VIP Dental Lounge are ready and willing to support you throughout the entire Invisalign process. If you need assistance with your aligners or have any questions about your treatment, scheduling a consultation with our team is the first step!

FAQs

Can​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ I eat while wearing Invisalign aligners?

It is advised that you remove your aligners before eating so that food will not get trapped in them and cause damage.

How often should I clean my Invisalign aligners?

You should clean your aligners every time you take them off. Use warm water and a soft toothbrush to clean them properly.

What if I don’t follow the food guidelines with Invisalign?

By eating the wrong foods, you can break your aligners, thus extending your treatment time and causing discomfort.

Can I drink coffee while wearing Invisalign?

You should not drink coffee while wearing your aligners, as it can stain your teeth. If you have to do it, then take off your aligners first.

Is it okay to drink water with Invisalign?

Yes, drinking water is good, but please avoid sugary or acidic beverages to protect your aligners and teeth.

How long do I need to wear my aligners each day?

Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day to achieve the best results. They should only be removed when eating, drinking, and cleaning.

Can Invisalign affect my speech?

You may experience a few days of adjustment, but after a short period of time, most people find that their speech is back to ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌normal.