Las Vegas Invisalign and Eating: What To Know
Not everyone who wants straighter, healthier teeth wants to wear traditional metal braces. Fortunately, you may not have to, thanks to Las Vegas Invisalign. Rather than wearing fixed, highly-visible metal brackets and wires, you wear clear, thermoplastic aligners on your teeth. These aligners disappear in your mouth, so no one will know you’re wearing them.
Many patients ask the same questions when considering Invisalign. One of the most common questions people ask is, “How do I maintain Invisalign aligners?” People also ask, “What can I eat with Invisalign, and what should I avoid?” Here’s what you need to know.
Taking Care of Your Las Vegas Invisalign Aligners
Your Las Vegas Invisalign aligners function to straighten your teeth, improving your smile and your oral health. Without proper care, they can’t do their job. Along with ineffective results, your risks of cavities and gum disease increase.
To ensure that your aligners provide the best results in the least amount of time as possible, here are a few tips to help you care for Invisalign:
- Clean your aligners thoroughly in the morning and evening
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners
- Soak your aligners once a day
- Brush and floss your teeth every time you remove your aligners
- Rinse your aligners before putting them back in your mouth
Invisalign and Eating: What You Need to Know
With braces, you have to deal with lots of food restrictions. Las Vegas Invisalign patients often wonder if their aligners limit their food choices, too. You may worry you’ll need to avoid favorites like popcorn, whole apples, and most crunchy foods. You’ll be surprised to learn what you can enjoy and still use your Invisalign aligners.
What Foods Can’t You Eat?
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that there are zero food restrictions. You can eat all of your favorite foods throughout your treatment. However, you’ll need to take your aligners out first. After you finish eating, brush your teeth and rinse your aligners before putting them back in.
What Happens If You Do Eat While Wearing Your Aligners
While accidents do happen, you’ll want to make sure that you remove your aligners every time you eat or drink anything. Chewing on food could damage your Invisalign or weaken the material (affecting their fit). Certain foods like curry or barbeque could discolor your aligners. Plaque and bacteria may accumulate more quickly as well, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Can You Drink Wearing Your Aligners?
You should remove your aligners when you drink anything other than water. Certain beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine can stain your aligners. Additionally, hot drinks can warp the material, reducing their effectiveness. Again, make sure to clean your teeth and your aligners before you put them back in your mouth.
How to Store Your Aligners While Eating
The best place to store your aligners while eating is in their protective case. When you get your first set, you’ll receive one, but many patients find it better to have more than one.
Places to avoid storing your aligners while eating include:
- Your pocket
- Your bag
- A napkin
- The edge of your plate
- Your food tray
Improper storage increases the risk of Invisalign damage. You also run the risk of accidentally throwing them out or losing them. Get in the habit of keeping a storage case with you at all times, so you have a safe place to keep your aligners as you eat.
Las Vegas Invisalign at Hansen Orthodontics
At Hansen Orthodontics, we can help you determine if Las Vegas Invisalign is right for you. We’ll monitor your progress and provide you with everything you’ll need to ensure a successful treatment. That includes offering tips and tricks like eating with Invisalign and how to keep your aligners safe. Are you ready to find out if Invisalign is right for you? Contact Hansen Orthodontics for your FREE consultation today!
