Invisalign® in Calgary’s NE will help you have straight teeth and improve the look of your smile. These medical-grade thermoplastic teeth aligners can correct minor to moderate dental complications. Keep in mind there are some rules to keep this appliance working for you. One important consideration is to be aware of what you eat.
Foods that Are Safe for Invisalign®
Eating a well-balanced diet is not only good for your physical and mental health but will benefit your dental situation. Consuming sugar-rich foods feeds bacteria, creating an acid that can erode your enamel. Invisalign® works to give you straight teeth but does not offer protection against harmful bacteria. It is up to you to monitor your sugar consumption. Extremely hard items like jawbreakers can also be of concern for your oral health. You can easily injure your jaw or crack a tooth while chomping down on these types of treats. Chewing on dense items may also risk breaking your Invisalign®.
Protect your teeth and aligners by eating things that are easier on your mouth like yogurt, cheese, and drinking smoothies. As a bonus, healthier foods offer higher nutritional value to strengthen your bones.
Eat a variety of foods but remember it is recommended to remove your Invisalign® before meals:
- Fish – Fish is a healthy option that won’t harm your clear aligners and can provide your body with the protein it needs.
- Non-Staining Drinks – Consider consuming liquids that have less pigment, to reduce the chance of staining your dentin and aligners. Water, milk, and clear broth are great options that also help keep you hydrated.
- Soft Bread – Consuming softer things like tortillas or dinner rolls is terrific since they have less chance of leaving a residue on your teeth. Cleaning your teeth is easier and helps keep your aligners from building up with bacteria.
Foods to Avoid with Invisalign®
Recognize that some food and drinks are best avoided during your Invisalign® treatment.
- Sticky Bites – When grabbing a snack, you will want to try and steer clear of things like brittle and taffy. These types of things can end up getting stuck in your teeth and attaching to your aligners. This could leave your mouth in an uncomfortable state and more than likely require an additional dentist appointment to rectify the problem.
- Coffee, Tea, and Red Wine – Red, red wine, a good cup of java, and a potent tea are all culprits of staining your teeth. Discolouration of your tooth enamel can affect the look of your smile. These highly pigmented foods can also stain your clear aligners. While they will continue to work to straighten your teeth, they will no longer be invisible. Help your Invisalign® live up to its name by limiting your consumption of products that can cause aesthetic changes.
Protecting your teeth and aligners and keeping them in good shape goes hand in hand. For a confident smile, maintain a daily cleaning routine. Regular oral hygiene helps the treatment work as it should.
Cleaning Invisalign® in Calgary’s NE
Taking care of Invisalign® is simple if you follow these steps. Your dentist will monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments as required along the way.
Step 1: Soak your Invisalign® in water and scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This removes the gunk accumulated during the day.
Step 2: Remove your aligners when eating to avoid damaging them and prevent bacteria from forming. Make sure to place them in an enclosed container to prevent dirt and dust from landing on them or risk breaking if they fall on a hard surface.
Some Things to Avoid When Cleaning Invisalign®
- Toothpaste – You can use toothpaste on your clear aligners, but it may scratch the surface.
- Hot Water – Avoid using hot water as the aligners may warp under an extremely heated temperature.
- Coloured and Scented Soaps – The chemicals in these soaps tend to stain clear aligners.
An Aligned Smile
At Savanna Market Dental, we offer Invisalign® in Calgary’s NE so you can have the smile you dream of without having to deal with traditional braces. With regular care and cleaning your aligners will provide a discrete and comfortable way to straighten teeth. If you have any further questions about how Invisalign® can work for you, come in for a consultation. We are here to help you every step of the way on your dental journey.
