Invisalign can be a great option for those who don’t want to worry about the appearance and limitations of traditional braces. With Invisalign, you can continue to eat what you want without the fear of breaking a bracket. However, you must still follow rules to maintain dental health and have a hassle-free process. Continue reading to learn more.
The Do’s of Eating with Invisalign
Here are the best practices to follow when wearing clear aligners.
Place Your Aligners in Case While Eating
The best thing about clear aligners is that you can remove them to eat. Although it may seem easier to take your aligners out and keep them in a napkin while you eat, it has a higher risk of being misplaced or lost. Keep your aligners in their protective case whenever you don’t wear them. This way, they are protected from damage, and you will find them every time. Save yourself from the inconvenience of spending time and money replacing them.
Brush Your Teeth After Eating
Brushing your teeth after eating before putting your Invisalign back on is essential to preserve dental and gum health. After eating, small food particles can get wedged between your teeth, and if you put your clear aligners back on, they can get trapped. The trapped food can grow bacteria around your teeth, which could lead to gum disease such as gingivitis. If you can’t brush your teeth after eating, try rinsing your mouth thoroughly with mouthwash or water.
Clean Your Aligners
Just like you’re supposed to brush your teeth, you must clean your Invisalign. Bacteria can also build up in your aligners and can cause dental problems down the line. There are specific products that can be used to soak and clean your aligners, but it is also recommended to scrub inside with a soft toothbrush and water.
The Don’ts of Eating with Invisalign
Now that you know what to do, let’s discuss what not to do with eating with Invisalign.
Do Not Eat While Wearing Your Aligners
The beauty of Invisalign is the fact that you can remove them to eat. However, you may be tempted at some point to keep them in while eating, especially if it is something quick. You must always remove your aligners before eating; food can damage or stain your aligners, making it harder for you to put them back in. This will again run the risk of paying for a new pair.
Don’t Forget to Put Your Aligners Back In
After eating, always remember to put your Invisalign back in. Clear aligners work when you are diligent about wearing them; you must keep them in for at least 22 hours daily. If you forget to wear your aligners for a long period of time, you may extend the process longer than needed. Also, you may not have the best outcome for your teeth in the end.
