Invisalign: All About Eating And Drinking
Is your smile a little crooked these days? In that case, you may be a candidate for Invisalign aligners. These are clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth and straighten them out over time. They have the advantage of being much less unsightly than traditional metal braces. One common concern people have about the Invisalign treatment is how your eating and drinking habits are affected. Here is a closer look at this issue.
Eating
People who have metal braces have no choice but to eat with the braces in place, but this is not the case with Invisalign. You should take the aligners out before every meal. If you are eating out in public, then you will need to head to the restroom before the meal is served, take out your aligners and place them in their container. It's also good idea to place a small amount of mouthwash in the container to let the aligners soak while you're eating. When you finish your meal, simply pop the aligners is back in place and rinse out the container.
Foods to Eat
Try to eat foods that are good for your overall dental health during the period that you are wearing the aligners. You don't want to eat a lot of foods that can cause you dental or gum problems, such as sugary foods and sticky foods. Cheese, yogurt and apples are all good choices, as are leafy greens, such as spinach and kale. Other helpful foods include almonds and cucumbers.
Drinking
Avoid drinking any coffee, wine or tea while the aligners are in place. These drinks can stain and discolor the trays, which defeats the purpose of having the clear aligners in the first place. If possible, just drink cold water while the aligners are in your mouth. It's probably best to avoid drinking sugary drinks and coffee whether the aligners are in place or not, as these drinks can harm your dental health.
Brushing
It's essential that you brush after every meal, even when you have eaten in a restaurant, while you are undergoing Invisalign treatment. If you do not, food particles may get stuck under the aligners and cause problems. Take an oral care kit with you everywhere you go, so you can always brush your teeth when you need to.
Invisalign treatment is an interesting option for many dental patients who need orthodontic treatment. For more information about this important topic, talk with your dentist.
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