Invisalign and Diet- Foods to Avoid and Enjoy During Treatment
Suppose someone is considering Invisalign as a treatment for orthodontic problems. In that case, it is vital to have a good understanding of what to eat and what foods need to be avoided to make sure the entire treatment turns out to be effective eventually.
Diet and dental hygiene are two of the most critical factors that significantly affect orthodontic treatment. If someone wants to learn extensively about Invisalign or the alternatives, the dental practice in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, can be of great help and help navigate through the entire process involved.
But, in this particular blog, we are going to discuss Invisalign and diet considerations that a patient undergoing Invisalign treatment needs to be conscious of. Let’s get started with the basics first.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is essentially a set of clear aligners custom-made using thermoplastic material to correct numerous mild to moderate misalignment problems. It is particularly significant for people who are conscious of their aesthetic appearance and want something that is not so apparent.
The aligners are nearly invisible to others. A dentist custom-made those clear aligners after taking a 3D scan of the teeth to create aligners that fit snugly over the teeth. The aligners gradually push the misaligned teeth into the desired position by applying some pressure on the teeth.
Does the Patient Need to Change Diet When Undergoing Invisalign Treatment?
If we speak generally, the short answer to this question is no. It is so because Invisalign allows the patient to remove them easily when having their favorite foods and drinks, which essentially means that Invisalign offers convenience and flexibility to the wearers without constantly bothering about damaging the aligners.
Some dentists do recommend avoiding some hard-to-eat foods, but altering the diet is not really necessary, except in some cases where there is a fear of compromising dental health because of excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks, but that is a concern associated with the overall health of a person.
In the end, if someone is making any changes to the diet, it is better to consult with a dentist prior to making the alterations to know if it is correct.
Foods That Are Safe to Eat During Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign treatment does not need any restrictions on the diet, but the process does affect how a person eats. Even if people remove the aligners before having a meal, it is better to avoid certain foods that are crunchy and hard because such foods cause stains on the teeth and feel sensitive when taking a bite because the aligners are moving the teeth. Opt for softer foods:
- Canned tuna or salmon
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft-cooked or scrambled eggs
- Soft cheese
- Applesauce
- Cold foods like ice cream
- Seasoned fish
- Cooked carrots
- Soft fruits like bananas and avocados
- Peanut butter
- Slices of tender chicken or steaks (chopped into small pieces)
- Water
- Squash
- Yogurt
- Soft whole grains like couscous and oatmeal
Invisalign treatment is not supposed to change a person’s diet or food choices significantly. If someone has any doubts about diet, they should contact an orthodontist immediately for a consultation.
What Foods to Avoid When Undergoing an Invisalign Treatment
Most foods that we are going to mention here are more concerned about overall dental health than merely Invisalign. However, certain hard and crunchy foods often need to be avoided during Invisalign treatment. Now, let us have a look at the list of foods that need to be avoided.
- Chewy candies like taffy, caramels, gummies, and licorice.
- Hard crackers and chips
- Sugary foods
- Bubble gum or gum-based products
- Whole apples and other crunchy veggies and fruits
- Acidic foods
- Tough meats like steak
- Hot beverages
- Hard rolls and bread
- Shellfish like lobster tails
- Hard taco shells
- Ice cubes
- Liquids that are known to cause discoloration (tomato sauce, soy sauce, curry sauce)
- Alcoholic drinks
Consult with an Orthodontist!
If a patient or anyone considering Invisalign has any questions, it is highly recommended that they consult an orthodontist to get all the details regarding Invisalign and even the alternatives.