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What Should (and Shouldn’t) You Eat During Invisalign Treatment?

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Invisalign treatment is a practical alternative to traditional metal braces, providing a discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth. But even though it is more convenient, you should still pay attention to what you eat during Invisalign treatment. Certain foods can help make the most of your Invisalign experience, while other foods could damage your aligners or put them at risk of staining. Read on to learn which foods are best (and worst) to eat while wearing your Invisalign trays.

What to Eat During Invisalign Treatment

When you’re undergoing a cosmetic dental procedure (follow link for more info about cosmetic dentistry), such as Invisalign, there are a few foods you should avoid to protect your teeth, gums, and aligners.

Here are some types of food you should incorporate into your diet:

1. Soft Foods

These are generally easier to chew and won’t damage your aligners. They are also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that help protect your teeth. Examples of soft foods to eat while wearing Invisalign include:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Cooked vegetables
  • Soups
  • Yogurt
  • Oatmeal
  • Applesauce

2. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are loaded with valuable nutrients like vitamin C that can help prevent gum disease as well as stain formation on your aligners. However, many fruits, like apples and pears, should be cut into smaller pieces before consumption. Additionally, vegetables can be difficult to chew when wearing your aligners, so it’s best to go for softer cooked options.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy products are a great calcium and vitamin D source that will help support your oral health during Invisalign treatment. Opt for dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and milk that are low in sugar and high in protein for the best results.

What Not to Eat During Invisalign Treatment

Just like there are foods you should eat while undergoing Invisalign treatment, your dentist (such as these top dentists in Vienna, VA) will instruct you to avoid certain foods that could damage your aligners. These can damage your aligners, cause discoloration and staining, or increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Examples of food to avoid while wearing Invisalign include:

1. Hard, Crunchy, and Chewy Foods

Foods that are hard, crunchy, and chewy can put stress on your aligners and damage them. This includes:

  • Candy
  • Chips
  • Pretzels
  • Popcorn
  • Nuts
  • Raw carrots sticks
  • Bread crusts
  • Hard taco shells

2. Sticky Foods

Sticky foods like chewy candy or gummies can get stuck in between the trays and teeth, leading to plaque buildup on your teeth. This increases your risk for cavities during treatment. Sticky substances can also lead to discoloration of the aligners if they are not cleaned correctly.

3. Sugary Foods

Eating foods that are high in sugar can drastically increase your risk of cavities and gum disease while wearing Invisalign. Sugary foods, such as sodas and sweets, should be avoided to keep your teeth healthy during and after treatment.

How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners

The following are some tips to make your Invisalign treatment as successful and comfortable as possible:

  • Rinse with lukewarm water after every meal to remove food particles.
  • Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean.
  • Remove your aligners while eating or drinking anything other than water, and store them in the provided container when not wearing them. Never use hot water, as this can warp the aligners.
  • Soak your aligners in the provided cleaning solution for at least 20 to 30 minutes, twice or thrice a week, to keep them clean and bacteria-free.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for dental checkups and cleanings. See Capital Esthetics general dentistry to know more.

Conclusion

The foods you eat can have a significant impact on your Invisalign treatment. Eating soft, nutritious foods and avoiding hard, chewy, and sugary snacks is key to keeping your teeth healthy while wearing aligners. Additionally, take good care of your aligners by cleaning them regularly and removing them when eating or drinking anything other than water.