Invisalign treatment is a great way to straighten teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. Invisalign in Red Deer is made up of transparent plastic that fits over your teeth and gently moves them to the desired position over time. 

Clear aligners are convenient and less noticeable. However, you still need to be careful about what you consume to keep teeth and aligners in good condition. Some foods can damage the aligner and possibly affect the treatment. Here are some of the foods you should avoid during Invisalign treatment.

1. Sticky Foods

Invisalign aligners are especially susceptible to sticky foods. Foods such as caramel, gummy candies, and more stick to the teeth and the aligners, making it difficult to clean them well. When sticky food gets stuck in your aligners, it can cause plaque accumulation, which can lead to diseases like tooth decay, gum disease, and more. 

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can harm teeth if not removed. To prevent plaque buildup, it is essential to avoid sticky foods while wearing clear aligners.

2. Hard Foods

Chewing hard foods such as nuts, ice, or hard candies and more can result in damaging or even breaking aligners. If your aligners are damaged, they will not work as effectively in shifting your teeth and may need to be replaced.

Chewing hard foods can put a lot of pressure on teeth, which can be uncomfortable and could slow down treatment progress. To protect teeth and keep treatment on track, it is recommended that hard foods be avoided.

3. Chewy Foods

Chewy foods, such as bagels, chewy candy, dried fruits, and more, are not good choices when you have Invisalign. They can pull on aligners and even get stuck in them. 

Just like sticky foods, chewy foods can make it difficult to keep your aligners clean, leading to plaque buildup and potential tooth problems. To avoid further complications, it is essential to avoid chewy foods during the Invisalign treatment.

4. Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugary foods and beverages are not good for teeth, particularly while wearing Invisalign. Consuming sweet drinks and foods, including sodas, candies, desserts, and more, can result in the formation of cavities, which can be difficult to treat when a person receives orthodontic care. 

When sugar mixes with the bacteria in your mouth, it produces acid, which may harm teeth and cause cavities. Sugary foods and drinks should be avoided to keep teeth healthy.

5. Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acidic foods and drinks can be harmful during Invisalign treatment. Foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, and more, as well as drinks like lemonade energy drinks, contain acid that can weaken tooth enamel and make teeth more susceptible to cavities. Enamel is the hard outer layer of teeth that protects teeth from decay. 

Additionally, acidic foods and drinks can stain aligners, making them less clear and noticeable. To keep teeth and aligners in good shape, it is recommended to avoid the consumption of acidic foods.

6. Crunchy Foods

Crunchy foods, including popcorn, chips, pretzels, and more, might cause problems during Invisalign treatment. These foods might break into small pieces that can get stuck in aligners or between teeth. When food gets stuck, cleaning might be challenging, thereby increasing the chances of plaque buildup and cavities. 

Crunchy foods might sometimes put too much pressure on your aligners, resulting in damage or pain. Therefore, you should avoid crunchy meal consumption while wearing aligners.

7. Foods that Stain

Consumption of foods that stain should be avoided during Invisalign treatment. Beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and more will stain your aligners. Stained aligners can make your teeth look discoloured, which means the clear aligners aren’t working as intended. 

Even when you remove the aligners, some staining foods leave behind a residue on your teeth that could be transferred to your Invisalign after you put them back on. It is recommended that you avoid consuming stain-causing foods to keep your aligners appearing clear and clean.

Key Takeaway

Avoiding these foods helps your treatment go well and keeps your teeth healthy. Make sure to take out your aligners before eating, brush and floss after meals, and follow the dentist’s recommendation to get the best results from Invisalign treatment.

Transform Your Smile with Invisalign Today!

Parkland Mall Dental is a reputable clinic offering multiple dental services to address your oral issue. Services offered by our professional dentist near you include general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, and more to keep your teeth strong and your smile attractive. Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment at our clinic!