What You Cannot Eat or Drink During Invisalign Therapy

What You Cannot Eat or Drink During Invisalign Therapy from AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Bellevue, WAInvisalign® is a great option for dental patients who have issues with their teeth alignment. Read on to learn about dietary restrictions while undergoing Invisalign treatment. The aligner trays are removable, which means patients can take them out when it is time to eat or brush their teeth. It is also easy to brush your teeth and remove any leftover food debris. However, patients need to be wary of certain meals when undergoing Invisalign therapy.

Foods and drinks to avoid during Invisalign treatment

Patients need to limit or avoid the consumption of certain foods while undergoing Invisalign treatment:

Sugary foods and drinks

It is important to clean the teeth properly before wearing the Invisalign aligners. Bacteria present on teeth and gums may feed on little bits of food left in the mouth. Sugary meals, as expected, provide lots of sugars for bacteria to flourish. The bacteria will cause plaque accumulation, resulting in cavities.

Throughout the Invisalign treatment, it is advisable to avoid eating anything overly sweet. Otherwise, the person must have an excellent brushing and flossing routine.

Alcohol

Alcohol contains trace carbohydrates that may contribute to plaque formation. Although alcohol's role in tooth decay is not exactly proven, dentists can often detect when a patient has been drinking even moderately. Although clear spirits such as vodka seem like water, they may significantly promote plaque formation. Plaque may be caused by even a small amount of lime juice in water. If it cannot be avoided, it is better to rinse the mouth after having an alcoholic drink.

Teeth-staining foods and drinks

It is better to prevent discoloration while wearing Invisalign. Otherwise, professional teeth whitening may be necessary after teeth straightening. Dark beverages and foods may discolor Invisalign aligners and the teeth. Extrinsic staining occurs when pigments penetrate the surface of teeth, the enamel layer, whether due to chromogens in alcohol or natural pigment present in meals. Pigment-containing foods and beverages include coffee, pomegranates, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, sports beverages, tomato sauce, and tea.

Sticky foods

Taffy, chewing gum, and caramel are just a few examples of sticky, chewy foods that may cause dental problems. Even with meticulous cleaning, it can be impossible to remove it before re-inserting the aligners completely.

Hard foods

Anything too crunchy, such as unpopped popcorn kernels or ice cubes, may cause your teeth to chip and fracture. Fillings, bonding, and other treatment may be required, which can prolong treatment and affect the pressure on the teeth that is necessary for straightening the teeth.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Bellevue, WA

Final note

Invisalign's cleanliness and nutrition requirements may be difficult to meet for some patients, but it is well worth the effort. By planning your meals meticulously, you can avoid the need for restorative treatment or teeth whitening. Invisalign is a wonderful way to straighten your teeth and get an aesthetically appealing smile. Rinsing with water directly after eating may help minimize the effect of certain meals and drinks on the teeth. However, avoiding them until your Invisalign treatment is complete may be preferable.

Request an appointment or call AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 425-615-6654 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.

Related Posts

Invisalign® Vs. Veneers

Understanding the pros and cons of Invisalign® and veneers is an important first step to deciding which treatment option is right for you. Many are familiar with Invisalign for a straighter smile, but fewer have heard of veneers for orthodontic treatment. This review offers insights into Invisalign and veneers as it relates to correcting teeth…

Can Invisalign Be Used For Top And Bottom Teeth?

You may be interested in using Invisalign® to correct only your top or lower teeth. Continue reading to learn more about how Invisalign treatment is used. While Invisalign may be used to straighten either the lower or upper teeth, most situations require correcting the two dental arches. The purpose is to ensure patients have a…

5 Tips For Wearing Invisalign Aligners Each Day For Best Results

Invisalign® is a popular alternative to traditional braces. Read on to learn some tips for getting the best results out of your Invisalign treatment. With Invisalign, patients can wear their aligner trays in public without worrying about their appearance. In addition, it is much easier to clean the teeth since the aligners are removable, and…