Eating and drinking while using Invisalign aligners is a topic that is raised among patients seeking more discreet treatment. Designed to be removable, Invisalign aligners offer a unique advantage over traditional braces when it comes to dietary habits and oral hygiene. That said, there are specific factors users should be aware of to maintain their aligners and achieve the best treatment outcomes.
Contrasting Invisalign and Braces
Traditional braces and Invisalign serve similar purposes. They’re both treatments to straighten teeth and correct issues such as gaps, misalignments, and overbites. The way these two systems work differs significantly.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces rely on fixed brackets and wires that are attached to the teeth. These are adjusted periodically by a dentist or orthodontist to apply pressure on the teeth, guiding them into proper alignment over time. Since braces are fixed, they remain in place all day and night until treatment is completed. With braces, certain foods such as sticky candies or hard snacks must be avoided to prevent damage to the brackets or wires.
Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign aligners are transparent trays that are designed to fit snugly over the teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is removable, which allows users to take the aligners out for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. Invisalign aligners work using a series of trays. Each tray is designed to apply gentle pressure and gradually shift the teeth into the correct position. The removability of Invisalign aligners is a key advantage; it enables users to maintain their usual diet with minimal restrictions.
Eating, Drinking, and Other Considerations
The removable nature of Invisalign aligners makes them more convenient for everyday life. To protect the aligners and prevent delays in treatment progress, there are strategies to follow regarding eating, drinking, and maintaining aligners. Some of the most fundamental best practices are listed below.
Eating with Invisalign Aligners
One of the clearest guidelines for Invisalign users is to remove aligners before eating any meals. Chewing food with aligners in place can damage the trays, stain them, or interfere with the treatment process. Chewing puts unnecessary pressure on the aligners, which may affect their durability.
Here are some tips for eating while using Invisalign aligners:
- Remove the trays before eating and place them in their protective case to prevent misplacement or contamination.
- Brush and floss your teeth before placing the aligners back in your mouth. Food particles left on the teeth can lead to bacteria buildup or discoloration of the aligners.
Drinking with Invisalign Aligners
Drinking habits while wearing aligners require slightly more attention. Water is safe to consume with aligners in place. Beverages like coffee, tea, soda, and wine may discolor or warp the trays.
Some tips for drinking include:
- Remove aligners before consuming hot drinks like coffee or tea, as heat may distort the plastic material.
- Rinse your aligners and mouth with water after consuming beverages to minimize staining.
Additional Considerations for Success
To make the most out of Invisalign treatment, aligners need to stay in the mouth as much as possible. Consistently wearing them for the prescribed amount of time facilitates steady progress and minimizes the need for extended treatment. Carrying a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and a protective aligner case can help maintain good hygiene and reduce inconvenience while traveling.
Asking a Dental Care Provider for Treatment
Using Invisalign aligners effectively starts with a thorough understanding of how they fit into your lifestyle. Dental professionals are a valuable resource for answering questions about treatment, providing guidance on eating or drinking habits, and offering insights on how to care for aligners. They can assess your oral health, recommend specific approaches, and tailor a treatment plan to help you achieve your dental goals.