One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners can be removed for eating.
Although they are removable, they must be worn at least 22 hours a day, so there are patients who wonder if they can eat with Invisalign.
All orthodontic treatment involves a commitment, not only because of the check-ups, but also because of the changes in diet.
In the case of Invisalign, we explain what you can eat and if it is possible to eat with the splints on.
Can I eat with Invisalign in place?
As we mentioned before, the effectiveness of orthodontics depends in part on the patient’s responsibility.
Invisalign must be worn in the mouth for a minimum of 22 hours a day to comply with the treatment plan.
In the remaining two hours, it is possible to dispense with them to eat in peace and comply with oral hygiene routines at home.
Not wearing the splints during this limited time has no negative impact on bite correction.
Therefore, one of the most relevant advantages of Invisalign is that it does not involve dietary restrictions.
If you remove the splints, you can eat hard foods, bite into an apple or even eat knick-knacks.
In orthodontic treatment with braces you have to give up certain foods, but with Invisalign there are no dietary restrictions.
The disadvantages of eating with Invisalign
However, the practice of snacking between meals can be counterproductive to orthodontic treatment.
Removing the splints too often can cause delays in orthodontic treatment, making it last longer than expected.
Regarding the possibility of eating chewing gum with Invisalign, the truth is that it is unfeasible to do so with the aligners in place.
Because it is a sticky candy, it can stick to the splint and damage it.
Our recommendation is not to chew gum excessively, since this habit makes it difficult to comply with the 22 hours with Invisalign in the mouth.
Clear aligners
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INVISALIGN CLEAR ALIGNER
Drinking with Invisalign: is it possible?
With the splints in place you can drink water without problems and, occasionally, any other liquid as long as it is cold.
However, it is contraindicated to drink hot beverages, as they can deform the aligners due to the heat.
Although it is possible to drink cold liquids, some beverages such as tea or coffee cause the splints to turn yellow.
In this way, Invisalign loses its esthetics, one of the reasons why our patients choose it.
In addition, it is bad for oral hygiene if we do not brush our teeth immediately afterwards.
Therefore, this practice of drinking something other than water should be done occasionally.
Is it possible to smoke while wearing splints?
Smoking also discolors the splints, causing them to lose their luster and appear dull in color.
Therefore, as orthodontists, we recommend that you remove the splints from your mouth to smoke.
However, keep in mind that if you smoke very frequently, orthodontic treatment will be extended over time.
In certain cases, and if it is not possible to reduce cigarette consumption, it is less harmful to smoke with Invisalign even though you will lose esthetics.
At least in this way, the schedule will be adhered to and the patient will be able to wear the splints 22 hours a day.
When and how should I clean my splints?
Every time you remove the splints from your mouth -whether to eat, smoke or drink- you should clean them and store them in their box.
To ensure the hygiene of the aligners is very simple: just use a brush, warm water and a neutral soap.
LImpiar Invisalign
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CLEANING INVISALIGN
To maintain its transparency, once a day you can immerse it in a glass of water and a specific tablet for cleaning prostheses.
The health of the mouth is very important, and even more so when it comes to orthodontic treatment.
Therefore, while this process lasts, pay special attention to the hygiene of the oral cavity and the dental appliance.
Failure to follow proper cleaning routines may lead to the appearance of periodontal diseases and caries.
Reduce bad habits
At least for the duration of orthodontic treatment, eliminate or reduce smoking and snacking.
What foods are recommended to eat if you wear Invisalign?
As we have already mentioned, Invisalign does not have any type of dietary restrictions that you should follow whenever you remove your braces when it comes to eating.
However, there are certain dietary recommendations that can help you.
In this way, you will be able to reduce the possible discomfort that may arise during the procedure.
After a check-up or change of splints, you may feel a slight sensation of pressure on your teeth.
Although this is not pain as such, each person may feel it more or less intensely.
Therefore, for the first few days it is advisable to follow a soft diet: purees and soups, cooked food or any other food that does not require chewing effort.
Once the discomfort has subsided, you can return to your usual diet.
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In conclusion, the recommendations on food to take care of your teeth are the same for anyone who wears orthodontics:
Avoid eating foods rich in sugar or too acidic, as they weaken the enamel of your teeth and favor the appearance of oral problems.
Reduce the consumption of beverages that stain the white of your teeth, such as wine, coffee or tea.
Chewing foods such as apples and carrots helps to clean the tooth surface and strengthen the gums.
Eating foods rich in calcium such as yogurt or cheese helps to reduce the acids present in bacterial plaque.
Eating with Invisalign
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WHAT TO EAT WITH INVISALIGN
Invisalign is a cosmetic orthodontic system that also has minimal effects on your lifestyle.
Monthly check-up appointments are very short, there are hardly any dental emergencies and it allows you to eat without restrictions.
For this reason, it is one of the most popular braces among our patients.
If you would like more information or to start your orthodontics with Invisalign, don’t wait any longer and contact our team of orthodontists.
You can do so by calling +1 619 372 5409 🇺🇸 +52 664 590 8321 🇲🇽 or through our website.
We are waiting for you!
