Invisalign treatment is a helpful alternative to traditional metal braces, delivering a discreet and comfortable way to correct the alignment of your teeth. But even though it is more convenient, you should still pay attention to what you eat throughout the Invisalign treatment. Certain foods can help make the most of your Invisalign experience, while other foods can damage your aligners or put them at risk of discoloration. Read on to find out which foods are best (and worst) to eat while using your Invisalign trays.

What to Eat During Invisalign Treatment

Once you visit a cosmetic dental clinic for your dental treatment, such as Invisalign, your dentist will inform you about some of the foods you need to avoid in order to protect your teeth, gums, and aligners.

Below are some types of food you must include right into your diet:

1. Soft Foods

These are generally much easier to chew and will not damage your aligners. They are also loaded with necessary vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that aid in protecting 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 important nutrients like vitamin C that can help protect against gum disease along with stain formation on your aligners. However, many fruits, like apples and pears, should be cut into smaller pieces prior to consumption. Additionally, vegetables can be difficult to eat when using your aligners, so choosing softer-cooked options is best.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy products are a great calcium and vitamin D source that will help support your dental health throughout 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 need to eat while undergoing Invisalign treatment, your dentist will advise you to avoid certain foods that could damage your aligners. These can damage your aligners, cause discoloration, or increase the risk of cavities and periodontal disease. If that happens, visit this link for your personalized dental care.

Meanwhile, examples of food to avoid while wearing Invisalign include:

1. Hard, Crunchy, and Chewy Foods

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

• Sweet
• 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, causing plaque accumulation on your teeth. This raises your risk for cavities during treatment. Sticky substances can also lead to staining of the aligners if they are not cleaned correctly.

3. Sugary Foods

Eating foods high in sugar can drastically increase your risk of cavities and gum disease while using Invisalign. Sugary foods like sodas and sweets should be avoided to keep your teeth healthy throughout and after treatment.

How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners

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

• Rinse with warm water after every mealtime to get rid of 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 apply hot water, as this can warp the aligners.
• Soak your aligners in the provided cleaning solution for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, two times or thrice a week, to keep them clean and bacteria-free.
• See your dentist on a regular basis for checkups and cleanings, or take a look here to book an appointment in advance.

Conclusion

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