Eating while wearing Invisalign is one of the most important aspects to get right during your orthodontic journey. Mealtimes may introduce potential challenges, so it’s essential to know what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to eating and drinking, especially if you want to keep your aligners clean, effective, and aesthetically pleasing.
The experienced professionals at Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics can help you understand some of the dos and don’ts of eating with Invisalign so you can keep your treatment on track and enjoy a seamless experience. Reach out to our team today to learn more about how we can help.
What Are Some Best Practices for Eating With Invisalign?
To ensure the longevity and functionality of your Invisalign aligners, you should follow a few practices when eating and drinking, such as:
- Remove your aligners before eating: Remove them every time you eat, and try to eat relatively quickly to ensure you put them back in on time. This will prevent damage, keep your aligners clear, and help them stay effective during treatment.
- Clean and rinse your aligners regularly: Following snacks and meals, you should clean your aligners each time before putting them back in. This may involve quick rinses, but you should also clean your Invisalign with a recommended cleaner twice daily.
- Brush your teeth before putting in your Invisalign: In addition to cleaning your Invisalign regularly, you should also brush your teeth regularly. Each time you eat, brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners.
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential to keep your mouth healthy and clean during treatment. Water is the only thing you can consume while your Invisalign is being worn.
- Floss after something gets stuck: After eating particularly sticky or cumbersome foods that get stuck between your teeth, we recommend you floss before putting your Invisalign back on. This can help prevent debris from getting stuck in the aligners.
- Have cleaning and maintenance tools on hand: At a minimum, bring a toothbrush, some floss, toothpaste, and an aligner storage case to make cleaning simple.
If you need additional tips for taking care of your Invisalign, we encourage you to ask your orthodontist. An orthodontist at Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics can help you answer your questions or concerns at your next appointment.
Is There Anything You Should Avoid While Eating During Invisalign Treatment?
There are also a handful of habits you should refrain from practicing during your Invisalign treatment, such as the following:
- Don’t eat while wearing your aligners: While you only wear each aligner tray for a couple of weeks at a time, they are not easily replaceable. The durable plastic is not invincible and can easily warp or crack if worn while eating.
- Don’t consume too much sugar or acid: Sugary or acidic foods and drinks should be consumed at a minimum. Too many of these can cause tooth decay or staining on your liners, especially if you don’t brush after eating.
- Don’t just leave out your aligners: While you leave to brush your teeth, there may be instances where it feels easier to leave your aligner where you were. However, this makes it easier for pets to find and damage them or to lose your trays.
- Don’t be rough with your Invisalign: While the aligner trays are durable, we encourage you to be thoughtful while handling them. Don’t toss them into a bag or napkin; they could be easily broken if not in their storage case or worn correctly.
Taking proper care of your Invisalign trays and teeth is essential for a beautiful, long-lasting smile. If you need assistance or additional tips, contact Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics.
How Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics Can Help During Your Invisalign Journey
At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we understand that maintaining your aligners is key to achieving the smile you want. With over 30 years of experience, we prioritize providing you with personalized tips and tools that fit seamlessly into your routine. From explaining the best practices for eating with Invisalign to guiding you on how to protect your aligners, we’re here to ensure your treatment progresses smoothly.
Our board-certified orthodontists are committed to making your Invisalign experience as comfortable and effective as possible. We offer advanced tools and flexible appointment options so that you can easily get the support you need. If you have questions or want to schedule a consultation, call us at (866) 272-9271 or visit our contact form.
