7 Foods to Avoid While Undergoing Invisalign Treatment

Going on an Invisalign treatment journey is a momentous step towards attaining a more dazzling smile and better dental health. However, taking this orthodontic treatment route needs to be done with caution, even when it comes to what you eat. Even if Invisalign is known to be more lenient than conventional braces with rules about what you can and can’t do, some foods and drinks can interfere with your treatment plan and cause problems. 

Continue reading to discover the seven foods to avoid during your Invisalign treatment. You can avoid these foods, but it is also advisable to get advice by consulting Miracle Dental’s dentist.

1. Sticky or Chewy Foods: While they may appear innocent, sticky or chewy foods will likely tamper with your Invisalign aligners. Such items include sticky treats with caramel, taffy, or chewing gum. Since the substance comes into direct contact with the aligners, it may be difficult to clean them thoroughly. In addition, eating sticky foods might cause the aligner to stretch or break, compromising its ability to straighten your teeth. These delicious treats should be avoided to guarantee the success of your Invisalign therapy.
2. Hard and Crunchy Foods: Avoid chewing on hard foods like nuts, ice cubes, and hard candies when under Invisalign treatment. Biting crunchy foods causes Invisalign discomfort & pain after treatment and damages the aligners because of the high-pressure biting these substances require. Choose foods with softer textures to protect your aligners from potential damage and remain comfortable.
3. Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugary goodies and drinks can provide the sweetness you desire, but they are among the most dangerous dental health threats while receiving Invisalign treatment. Sugar can cause plaque to form and develop, making it easier to get cavities and tooth decay. Furthermore, some sugary foods and beverages result in staining, making your aligners visible. Avoid consuming sugar-loaded foods and drinks to protect your dental health and the life of your Invisalign treatment.
4. Dark-Colored Beverages: Coffee, tea, and red wine are known to cause tooth staining, and they may also cause discoloration of your aligners. The pigment in these liquids will seep through the porous aligner material, leaving them messy and unsightly.Using a straw can help reduce the chances of stinging if you want to continue drinking dark-colored beverages; the transparency of your aligners will remain intact, and discoloration will be prevented.
5. Gum and Gummy Candies: Chewing gum, gummy candies, and sticky foods with your aligners is very dangerous. Additionally, they may attach to your aligners, causing difficulty in cleaning and removal. The elastic nature of these foods harms your aligners as they use unnecessary pressure, leading to damage. Choose alternative snacks that are healthy for your aligners and your teeth for a better experience with Invisalign.
6. Foods that Stain: Apart from drinks with dark colors, some foods cause your aligners to get stained, which can be unappealing. For instance, berries, beets, and soy sauce are highly likely to cause staining. Even though these may be healthy and tasty, they will permanently stain your aligners, making them lose their transparency. You must be careful when eating these foods to keep your clear aligners clear!
7. Tough Meats and Dense Bread: Some meats are dense and can be hard to chew, as well as some types of bread that are rough. Because of their texture, they require a lot more force in order to chew. This creates a lot of pressure, and can really mess with your aligners. Try softer breads, and softer meats that are easy to break down. This will help you avoid discomfort and keep your aligners sturdy and safe from damage. By making mindful choices about your dietary habits, you can ensure a more comfortable and practical Invisalign treatment journey.

While undergoing Invisalign treatment, you must be mindful of the food you eat. Some foods can cause unfavorable results and damage the invisalign aligner. Avoid sticky or chewy foods, hard and crunchy foods, sugary foods and drinks, dark-colored beverages, gum and gummy candies, foods that stain, tough meats, and dense bread. 

You can minimize pain, and keep your smile healthy while it’s being straightened out. For personalized guidance and support throughout your Invisalign journey, don’t hesitate to consult with the dentist at Miracle Dental, your trusted partner in achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. The best dentist for Invisalign is just a call away!