By Gentle Touch Dentistry Richardson
If you’re aware of braces, you might be also aware of the fact that there is a list of food items that you’ve to forget with braces on. As Invisalign also works pretty similar to braces, you might be wondering whether eating and drinking with Invisalign is challenging or not.
Worry not!
Eating with Invisalign doesn’t have to be nightmare-inducing. You can still enjoy your favorite meals without worrying about causing dental health issues. With a few adjustments here and there, Invisalign aligners allow you more freedom than traditional braces.
So are you ready to check out the best foods to eat with Invisalign and which food items to avoid to ensure your aligners stay clean? We’re here to answer all your queries. Let’s dive deep into the blog for tips on what to eat, drink, and how to care for your aligners.
What You Can Eat With Aligners On?
It’s the first thing that hits us like a ton of brick. Knowing that you’ve to put restrictions on your diet as soon as your aligners are on can be intimidating. But it doesn’t need to be so. As aligners are removable and it’s advised to remove them before eating, you can peacefully enjoy your favorite meals, including crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods. No matter what you eat, you’re at no risk of causing damage to Invisalign.
Foods to Avoid While Wearing Aligners
There’s no food that you’ve to avoid during your Invisalign treatment as you must remove the aligners during meals. With the simple requirement of keeping aligners on for 20-22 hours a day, you can keep aligners aside whenever you’re eating.
You can only drink water with retainers on. Dentists always recommend skipping drinking any acidic or sugary drinks with retainers on, as the drink can remain stuck under the retainers and cause dental decay. The colorful beverages can also turn the color of the retainers from white or transparent to brown or black. Their staining ability can disrupt the appearance of clear aligners.
It’s also advised to not drink hot drinks with aligners on as heat can distort the plastic material of Invisalign.
Snacking Habits to Avoid
If you’re someone with a habit of munching on snacks frequently, it might not be the best move for you with aligners on. Frequent snacking requires you to remove the retainers again and again and constantly clean them. It increases the risk of their misplacement. It’s best to:
- Plan meals throughout the day to reduce the need for constant aligner removal
- Carry a toothbrush always with you for quick cleanups after snacks.
How to Clean Aligners After Eating?
Once you get clear aligners, keeping them clean becomes a routine of yours. Follow these tips to keep your retainers in perfect shape:
- Use lukewarm water and Invisalign cleaning crystals to clean aligners
- Avoid hot water during cleaning to protect the plastic
- It’s best to thoroughly dry aligners before reinserting them inside the mouth to avoid trapping bacteria
If you need more advice on eating and drinking with Invisalign, you can contact us today to schedule a consultation with our dentists and keep your smile healthy and happy!
