Eating with Invisalign: Tips to Enjoy Your Favorite Foods

Unsure about traditional braces for your misaligned teeth? Invisalign can give you a beautiful set of straight teeth without the need for metal wires and brackets. These clear braces for adults allow you to straighten your teeth discreetly without any restrictions that usually come with traditional braces. If you’re awaiting an Invisalign treatment, read on to learn some crucial tips on eating with Invisalign.

Tip #1 Reduce Your Intake Of Sticky Foods

This is something your Invisalign dentist is sure to recommend. Your Invisalign needs to be taken out before every meal so that you can eat to your heart’s content without limiting your options. However, we do recommend reducing the intake of sticky foods that could lead to eventual cavities. Sticky foods are not only difficult to get out of your teeth gaps but also tend to stain your aligners. With how much your invisible braces cost, this is something you certainly want to avoid. Further, the chances of bacteria building up are higher with Invisalign cocooning your teeth along with the bacteria.

Tip #2 Brush And Floss After Every Meal And Beverage Intake

While it’s no secret that you need to take your Invisalign aligners out before every meal, it is important that you also brush and floss after every meal or beverage intake (except water). Make sure you time your meals in a way that allows you to brush in acceptable intervals. This eliminates any residual food particles sticking to your teeth and ensures that your teeth and aligners do not stain. All in all, time your schedule to keep your aligners on for at least 20 hours a day.

Tip #3 Make Water Your New Best Friend

Addicted to teeth-staining foods and beverages? Now, that’s something Invisalign wearers may need to work on. For any food or beverage you wish to consume, you will need to take your aligners out and brush your teeth before putting them back in. What will save you time and keep you hydrated is water. This is one beverage you can consume without having to take off the aligners. Additionally, it will also remove any residual food particles and bacteria in your mouth and clean your Invisalign at frequent intervals.

Tip #4 Limit Your Snacking

One of the key tips your invisible braces orthodontist will remind you of is always planning your meals. If you’re in the habit of snacking often, you may be at a disadvantage with Invisalign. For your Invisalign treatment to work, the aligners need to be worn at least 20-22 hours a day. Frequent snacking will warrant taking them out often, which will minimise the time you’re actually wearing the aligners. This can impact the desired outcome of the treatment. And while snacking may not seem like a big deal, you would still need to brush your teeth after snacking like you would following any other meal. If that’s something you’re not fond of, sticking to 3-4 meals a day is something you would need to follow throughout your Invisalign treatment.

Think an Invisalign treatment is right for you? Look out for an ‘Invisalign dentist near me’ the next time you’re ready for a dental appointment. If you do go ahead with the procedure, make sure these tips stay with you for the best outcomes at the end of your treatment.