Straighten Your Teeth Without Food Restrictions
Traditional metal braces can be difficult to deal with, especially when it comes to eating. Along with having to avoid certain foods, you also have to be careful that your brackets don’t sustain damage while having a meal. This can make the process of straightening your teeth much more difficult. Thankfully, Dr. Maya Assi can provide patients with an alternative option in the form of Invisalign® to give them dietary freedom while fixing their teeth at the same time.
With Invisalign, you’ll no longer have to be careful about what you eat as long as you remove your aligners during mealtime. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite foods while also achieving the smile of your dreams. Read our guide below to learn more about Invisalign and your diet.
Aligner Habits You Should Follow
While Invisalign allows you to eat your favorite foods, taking care of your aligners is also important. There are a few precautions you should consider to get the most out of your aligners, such as:
- Wearing Your Aligners: Make sure you wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours each day. That way, your treatment stays on track. Only remove your aligners while eating a meal or cleaning your teeth before putting them back on.
- Keeping Food Particles Away: It’s important to remove your aligners before a meal, otherwise this may damage them and trap food particles. Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent possible breakage and staining.
- Brushing & Flossing: Always clean your teeth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in. This helps to avoid staining and food particles from getting stuck in your aligners. Staining doesn’t harm your treatment, but your aligners will no longer appear natural-looking.
Additional Invisalign Tips
While removing your aligners before eating is the most important habit, there are some additional tips that Dr. Maya Assi and our team recommend in order for you to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment. The following foods and habits can negatively impact the progress of your aligner therapy, as well as your oral health:
- Gum: Most chewing gums contain high amounts of sugar, which can lead to unwanted cavities and tooth decay. Gum can also leave a sticky residue that can alter your bite. However, some sugarless gums with xylitol can be easier on your teeth.
- Teeth Stainers: Certain dark-colored foods and beverages are notorious for staining your teeth over time. This includes coffee, red wine, soda, and berries. If you don’t brush your teeth after consuming them, your aligners may gradually become stained.
- Hard or Chewy Foods: Hard foods can irritate the soft tissues inside your teeth, while chewy food can get stuck in-between your teeth. If not cleaned, this can lead to certain dental issues including cavities.
- Carbonated Beverages: Sugary drinks are known to lead to tooth decay. Even sugar-free sodas contain high levels of acid that can slowly erode your enamel over time.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause your teeth to rot in addition to having a negative impact on your oral health. It can also render your Invisalign treatment less effective in correcting your misaligned teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which foods should I avoid with Invisalign?
The best thing about Invisalign aligners is that they’re easily removable. This allows you to eat without restrictions. Unlike traditional metal braces, you won’t have to avoid certain foods or deal with the hassle of getting anything stuck in the metal wires. Be sure to always remove your aligners before eating. Always brush and floss your teeth before placing your aligners back in so food debris doesn’t get trapped in them.
How much time do I have to eat after removing my aligners?
As long as you’re wearing your aligners for at least 20 hours each day, it doesn’t matter how long you remove them for any particular meal. If you plan on having a longer meal, you shouldn’t have any issues – make sure to plan your schedule for the day accordingly. For example, if you know you’ll be going out to dinner later, try to keep your aligners in as much as possible during the day. This will allow you to relax and enjoy your meal without rushing.
Can I drink alcohol while wearing Invisalign aligners?
You can drink alcohol as long as you remove your Invisalign aligners before you drink. It’s important to thoroughly clean your teeth afterwards since sticky, sugary, and dark beverages can stain your teeth as well as your aligners. Keep in mind that you need to wear your clear aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. This means that you’ll want to limit how long you’re drinking so you won’t impact your treatment plan.
Will hot coffee damage my Invisalign aligners?
Hot coffee can damage your aligners and cause warping if not removed beforehand. You’ll also have to make sure you carefully clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in, as coffee can cause staining. The only drink you can have while wearing your aligners is cold water, asit won’t damage your aligners like other beverages.
Contact Us About Invisalign® & Your Diet
Invisalign offers our patients a convenient and effective alternative to straightening their teeth compared to traditional metal braces. Dr. Maya Assi and our dental team have the expertise needed to help correct your teeth’s alignment.
Want to learn more about the benefits of Invisalign? Contact our Coral Springs, FL office by calling (954) 603-3508 or by filling out a contact form below. Dr. Maya Assi serves patients who reside in the Forest Hills, Margate, and Pompano Beach, FL areas.