Foods to Avoid with Invisalign: A Complete Guide

Invisalign is a revolutionary teeth straightening system that offers an alternative to traditional metal braces. By using clear aligners, Invisalign allows you to discreetly and comfortably correct your misaligned teeth. However, in order for treatment to be successful, it’s important that you properly care for your aligners including knowing what foods to avoid with Invisalign Markham.

Invisalign Aligners

First, you need to understand how Invisalign aligners work. Invisalign consists of a series of custom-made aligners that fit snugly over the teeth. The aligners are designed to gradually shift the teeth into place as you switch out aligners.

With Invisalign, you have the power to take off your orthodontic appliance when you eat, drink, and brush your teeth. Compared to braces, there is a short list of foods to avoid with Invisalign, but some foods can still damage or stain your aligners.

Foods to Avoid with Invisalign

Chewy foods (caramels, gummy candy, taffy)

Chewy foods like caramels, gummy candy, and taffy are some of the foods to avoid with Invisalign. While you can take the aligners out, eating chewy foods can leave some in the nooks and crannies of your teeth. When you’re not able to clean everything out before you put the aligners back, bacteria can form and irritate your gums.

Sticky foods (dried fruit, caramel apples)

Sticky foods like dried fruit and caramel apples should also be avoided. The sticky residue on your teeth can cause the aligners to fit poorly, which can lead to treatment delays. When you eat any sticky food, make sure to brush and floss properly before putting your aligners back in.

Sugary foods and drinks (soda, energy drinks)

Sugary foods and drinks like soda and energy drinks also belong to the foods to avoid with Invisalign. It’s because they can cause staining on the aligners. The acid in the foods can also cause discoloration and if left untreated, can cause tooth decay. Make sure to rinse your mouth with water after eating foods and drinks like this.

Other foods with small particles that can get stuck in your aligners or teeth (popcorn, chips)

Foods with small particles like popcorn and chips can also cause damage to the aligners. The small pieces can get lodged in the nooks and crannies of your teeth and the aligner, which can make it difficult to clean properly. Be sure to brush and floss well after eating foods like this.

Invisalign Aligner Care

As mentioned, the list of foods to avoid with Invisalign is much shorter than foods to avoid with braces. However, it’s still important that you practice good oral hygiene and avoid foods that can damage or stain your aligners. You can also apply other aligner care tips like the following:

Brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.
Rinse your mouth with water after eating foods or drinks that can stain.
Keep them in the protective case when you’re not wearing them.
Don’t leave them in water for too long as this can cause warping.
Clean aligners regularly with a soft bristled toothbrush and clear antibacterial soap.
Don’t use hot water to clean aligners as it can damage them.
Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the aligners.
Wear the aligners as directed and be sure to follow up with regular dental appointments.

Consult Your Orthodontist in Scarborough, ON

If you have any questions about foods to avoid with Invisalign, make sure to consult your orthodontist in Scarborough, ON. Dr. Mark Nalbandian is a specialist in the field of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics whom you can trust to answer all your questions.

At Wired Orthodontics, Dr. Nalbandian and his team go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and positive experience for all of their patients. With years of experience, hard work ethic, and constant demand of excellence from himself, he ensures to provide the best orthodontic care to his patients from Scarborough, North York, Markham, and the surrounding Toronto area.

Invisalign is one of the most in-demand treatments today, and the team at Wired Orthodontics offers it as one of their services. If you have any questions or want to get a comprehensive orthodontic exam, schedule a visit to our office at 3137 Sheppard Ave E Unit 108, Scarborough, ON M1T 1P4, Canada and get the beautiful, healthy smile that you deserve. Contact Wired Orthodontics today!