Invisalign is one of the most popular and revolutionary methods of teeth straightening. Unlike metal brackets and wires, Invisalign is discreet, comfortable, and works with your everyday routine without any hassle. Although Invisalign aligners are meant to simplify your life, there are some limitations, particularly concerning your diet and dental hygiene.
At DentAesthetica Dental Clinic in Gurgaon, one of the most frequent questions we receive regarding the beginning of Invisalign treatment is, “Is it possible to eat and drink normally with Invisalign?”. The answer is, “somewhat.” The freedom of Invisalign comes with a bit of a tradeoff. Let’s see how your diet and lifestyle improve with the convenience of Invisalign.
A Quick Recap – What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is one of the most modern methods of orthodontic treatment, which involves the use of a number of clear, removable aligners to slowly and gradually shift and straighten your teeth into the correct position. Each aligner is custom-made to fit your teeth and designed to be used for a number of weeks until it is switched out for the next in the sequence as your smile improves.
Invisalign users don’t face food restrictions because the aligners can be removed while eating or cleaning their teeth. However, your aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily to help your treatment work as best as possible. This calls for strong planning around meals for the day.
What You Should Avoid the Most During Treatment
1. Drinking and Eating With Aligners
This rule should be number one. Never try to eat or drink anything besides Water. Your aligners will not be able to withstand the chewing pressure and will get damaged. Drinking coffee, tea, or soda while having the aligners will stain the aligners as well.
Imagine having a mocha while your aligners are on. While it seems harmless, the sugar will stain your aligners, and heat can warp them, creating an uncomfortable fit. Taking the aligners off for the drink and rinsing afterwards is the best idea.
2. Snacking Too Often
Do you like snacking during the day? You may want to change this habit. Aligners must stay in most of the day, and removing them for short snacks interrupts your wear time. You may also forget to put them back in.
Invisalign users find that this helps them eat healthier. Less snacking means you won’t have as many opportunities to eat chips, candy, and other sugary snacks.
3. Not Cleaning Your Teeth After Every Meal
Not brushing your teeth and putting your aligners back in is another mistake. All food, even little particles, will trap and lead to bad breath or plaque. Always brush and rinse before putting your aligners back in.
What You Can Do with Invisalign
Now, here’s the fun part- all the things you can still enjoy with Invisalign.
1. Eat Whatever You Want (Once You Remove the Aligners)
Invisalign allows you to eat whatever you like, as opposed to traditional braces. Love popcorn, crunchy apples, or other sticky sweets? As long as you take your aligners off, you can eat whatever you want. Just be sure to clean your teeth afterwards.
One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign is the ability to remove your aligners whenever you want. While undergoing treatment, you can enjoy all of your favourite foods without the stress of breaking brackets or getting food stuck in your braces.
Drink Water
Keeping the body hydrated is especially important when undergoing treatment with aligners. Aligners can cause dry mouth, so keep sipping Water throughout the day to reduce dry mouth. You can drink Water at any time, even when wearing your aligners, because it does not stain or damage the aligners.
Have a Balanced Diet
Invisalign does not allow you to snack throughout the day, which helps encourage a healthier eating pattern because you will eat more balanced meals. Healthy meals that consist of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains will keep your body healthy and will also keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Stay away from sugary and sticky foods. These will increase your chances of getting cavities, especially if your brushing is rushed.
Lifestyle Adjustments That Make a Difference
1. Meal Timing Matters
Aligner removal for meals may encourage you to stick to a specific routine. For example, three hearty meals a day and one snack in between constitute a great routine, and you can eat during your work schedule too. This strategy helps you avoid nutritional deficits and keeps your trays in for a good duration.
2. Have a Mini-Travel Kit
If you are going out for an extended period of time, a mini kit used for the Invisalign system really works in your favour. Mess-free mini kits can be made by including small brushes, toothpaste, and a little mouthwash. This really works in your favour to help you freshen up before you replace the trays whenever you are out for the day.
3. Be Careful When Drinking and Smoking
Aligners can really be stained by drinking, especially by red wine or cocktails. Smoking not only stains the aligners but also makes the tray stink. For drinking and smoking, always keep the aligners off and make sure to wash your mouth well before putting the aligners back.
Helpful New Habits Inspired by Invisalign
Did you know that many people who embrace the Invisalign treatment find it helpful in developing healthy habits? One of the reasons is the time it takes to think about the food or drink options within an hour. Unconscious habits of mindless snacking and sipping on sugary drinks are significantly reduced. It also makes you closely aware of your oral hygiene, which extends the benefits long after your treatment is complete.
From the DentAesthetica Clinic in Gurgaon, it is amazing to see many of our patients go beyond simply straightening their smiles to achieving remarkable changes in their daily lives. The process of teeth alignment fosters discipline and mindfulness, which help keep the smile healthy and youthful for a lifetime.
With Invisalign, there is no need to impose restrictions in any area of your life. You are free to enjoy your usual meals and drinks and socialise in a relaxing atmosphere. You simply need to apply a bit more hygiene discipline during the treatment period, and you will be relieved of worries in the long run.
Little efforts like skipping an unnecessary snack, carrying your toothbrush for a post-lunch clean up, or skipping sugary drinks are rewarded with healthy, positively aligned teeth. Don’t forget that for the best results, you have to work with the treatment.
At DentAesthetica Dental Clinic in Gurgaon, our expert team is here to assist you throughout the Invisalign procedure, making sure your diet, routine, and lifestyle remain easy and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I drink coffee or tea while wearing Invisalign?
While wearing any of the aligners, it is best to avoid coffee, tea, and any other drinks that may stain. If you want to drink any of these, just take the aligners out, drink, and rinse your mouth before putting the aligners back.
2. Do I need to brush after every meal before putting the aligners back?
Yes, you should brush after every meal and before putting back your aligners. If you do not, the aligners will trap food, which will make your mouth unhealthy. If you really cannot brush, try your best to rinse your mouth.
3. Can I chew gum with Invisalign on?
No, you should not chew gum while the aligners are in because the gum can get stuck on them and ruin them. Always remove your aligners before chewing gum and rinse your mouth before putting them back in.
