There’s never been a better time to straighten your teeth with the most advanced clear aligners in the world.
Invisalign aligners offer a clear, convenient, and comfortable way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Sloan Dental is proud to be a certified Invisalign in Glasgow.
One of the best things about Invisalign over traditional braces is the freedom it offers in your daily life, especially when it comes to eating.
However, to ensure the best results and maintain the condition of your aligners, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
Keep reading to discover these precautions, so you can always keep your smile journey on track while enjoying your favourite foods.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
One of the most common questions we get from our Invisalign patients is whether they can eat with their aligners in.
The simple answer is no, you shouldn’t eat while wearing your Invisalign aligners.
Eating with your aligners can cause damage to them and affect your treatment progress.
It’s best to remove your aligners before meals and snacks to keep them in good shape and ensure your teeth stay on track.
Don’t worry, though – you can enjoy all your favourite foods once you take your aligners out!
But that’s not all to eating with Invisalign. Let’s explore some more do’s and don’ts about this.
Eating with Invisalign: the Do’s
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is always important, but it’s especially crucial when you’re wearing Invisalign.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your mouth clean and free of food particles that can get trapped under your aligners.
Water also helps to rinse away any bacteria, reducing the risk of tooth decay and bad breath.
Plus, it’s the one drink you can enjoy without having to remove your aligners! So, keep a water bottle handy and sip often to keep your smile fresh and healthy.
Return Aligners to Their Case While Eating
Always remember to return your aligners to the Invisalign case when you’re eating. This simple habit can prevent your aligners from getting lost or damaged.
It’s easy to accidentally throw them away or misplace them if you leave them on a napkin or table.
Using the case keeps them safe and clean, ensuring they’re ready to go back in after your meal.
Plus, it helps maintain good hygiene by keeping your aligners free from bacteria and debris.
Make it a habit to use your case every time you eat, and your aligners will stay in great shape throughout your treatment.
Always Brush Your Teeth After Eating
Brushing your teeth after eating is essential when you’re wearing Invisalign.
It helps remove food particles and bacteria that can get trapped between your teeth and aligners.
That way, it helps prevent tooth decay and bad breath.
After every meal or snack, take a few minutes to brush your teeth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in.
This small step ensures your teeth stay clean and healthy, and it helps keep your aligners clear and free from stains.
Consider keeping a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you to make this routine easy, no matter where you are.
Keep Your Aligners Clean
Make it a habit to clean your clear aligners every time you remove them.
Rinse them with lukewarm water to wash away saliva and food particles.
Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub them, but avoid using toothpaste as it can be abrasive.
Special cleaning solutions or Invisalign cleaning crystals can also help keep them clear and fresh.
The Don’ts of Eating with Invisalign
Don’t Eat Any Food or Drink While Wearing Your Aligners
It’s important to remember not to eat any food or drink while wearing your Invisalign aligners.
Eating with your aligners in can cause them to crack or stain, and the food particles can get trapped, leading to potential cavities and bad breath.
Even drinks other than water can harm your aligners by causing discolouration or warping due to temperature changes.
Always take out your aligners before meals and snacks to keep them in good condition and ensure your treatment stays on track.
Don’t Forget to Put Your Invisalign Back In
After enjoying your meal, it’s crucial not to forget to put your clear aligners back in.
The success of your treatment relies on wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day.
Leaving them out for extended periods can delay your progress and extend the overall treatment time.
So, make it a habit to clean your teeth and aligners right after eating and pop them back in promptly.
Don’t Leave Invisalign Within Reach of Pets at Mealtimes
Pets can be curious and playful, and your Invisalign aligners can easily become their new favourite chew toy.
To avoid any mishaps, always make sure to keep your aligners out of reach of pets while you eat.
Store them safely in their case and place them somewhere your furry friends can’t access.
This simple step prevents damage to your aligners and saves you from the inconvenience and cost of replacing them.
Other Things to Bear in Mind with Invisalign Treatment
Clean Your Teeth Before Putting on the Aligners
The importance of maintaining good oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment cannot be overemphasised.
So, always clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Remember to brush and floss after every meal, too. This routine helps prevent cavities and keeps your breath fresh.
Store in Invisalign Case Only
When you’re not wearing your aligners, make sure to store them in their designated Invisalign case.
This practice keeps them safe from damage and contamination.
Avoid placing them on napkins, tables, or any other surface where they could get lost or dirty.
Using the case also helps you keep track of your aligners, reducing the risk of misplacing them.
Don’t Wash Aligners in Hot Water
It’s important to clean your aligners properly to maintain their shape and clarity.
However, never wash them in hot water, as it can warp the plastic and affect the fit.
Instead, we recommend you use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser designed for Invisalign or a soft toothbrush.
This ensures your aligners stay in good condition and continue to fit comfortably throughout your treatment.
Get Expert Help with Your Invisalign Treatment
If you’re just starting your Invisalign journey or need assistance with maintaining your aligner, we’re here to help!
Our experienced team at Sloan Dental is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
Whether you have questions about the dos and don’ts, need tips on keeping your aligners clean, or require a consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment with us!
