One of the most common cosmetic treatments that help target teeth alignment is Invisalign. Besides adjusting your teeth and improving your dental aesthetics and functions, it has gained popularity because of its convenience and limited restrictions.
Invisalign is loved by many because as it straightens your teeth, you don't have to restrict your diet. Unlike traditional braces, where you need to be mindful about the types of food you eat, Invisalign won't have you worried about your greens getting stuck in your brackets or if your wire breaks because of that scrumptious steak.
However, just because you don't have to be on your toes when eating with your Invisalign, you still need to practice good eating habits to ensure that your Invisalign treatment goes well. Trust us — following these tips can help you maximize your Invisalign treatment, allowing you to enjoy different drinks and foods without compromising your smile.
Tip #1: Mindful Morning Coffee
Sure, you can still have your morning cup of joe to help kick start your day. Although you can enjoy some drinks with your Invisalign, it's recommended that you take them off to avoid staining.
Drinking coffee can damage your Invisalign, so if you're in dire need of that coffee kick, consider taking out your aligners and pop them back on after you refuel with coffee.
Tip #2: Schedule Your Snacks and Breaks
Ideally, Invisalign must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day for it to be effective. With that being said, you need to take quick snack breaks and meals to ensure you get the recommended hours per wear.
If you're someone who likes to enjoy their meals, you can continue to do so, but make sure that you keep tabs on how long you have your Invisalign off and make sure you don't get less than 20 hours of wear.
Tip #3: Brush Your Teeth More Often
Perhaps you want to continue eating the way you do pre-Invisalign treatment; that's okay, as long as you practice better dental hygiene, especially since your food and drinks can seep into your aligners.
With that being said, you need to make sure you brush your teeth and clean your aligners after every meal and drink to ensure that your teeth stay healthy, dodge cavities, and avoid any buildup of stains.
Tip #4: Skip the Gum
Unfortunately, you can't have gum when you're using your Invisalign because its stickiness can affect your orthodontic treatment and get stuck in your aligners. When this happens, it can be difficult to fix, and a visit to your local dentist might be necessary.
The Bottom Line: Continue to Stay Mindful About What You Eat
Although restrictions for food and beverage are looser with Invisalign treatment, it still pays to be mindful about how you consume your favorite foods. It's best to get used to the routine of taking out your Invisalign before every meal and drink to ensure that you alleviate damage and cracks on your aligners. Not to mention, it keeps your teeth healthy, avoiding dental issues like cavities, stains, and more.
Do You Want to Know if Invisalign is Right for You?
If you want to improve your dental health and appearance, it's best to speak to your local dentist to see if dental treatments, like Invisalign, are best for you.
Dental House MI is a team of expert dentists specializing in dentures, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, dental implants, and more. If you're looking for Invisalign in Ann Arbor, book an appointment with us today!