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This time, we’re looking at foods to avoid with braces & Invisalign. In previous posts, we looked at foods to eat with braces.
Notably, one difference between Invisalign and braces is that clear aligners can come out. With braces, they remain attached to your teeth throughout treatment. Thus, you can take out Invisalign while you eat and drink. As a result, you don’t have to as careful about food choices.
As we saw in our previous post, braces can be damaged by sticky, hard, chewy, and crunchy foods.
However, some foods are best limited or avoided with Invisalign and braces. By avoiding certain foods, you can ensure your treatment goes smoothly. Limiting some foods can help you avoid the higher risk of tooth decay and avoid staining your appliances.
Today, one of the best parts of orthodontic treatments is the nearly invisible appearance. To make sure treatment remains discreet, you want to avoid discoloring clear aligners or braces.
Some Foods Might Leave a Stain on Braces & Invisalign
Certain foods can leave a stain that discolors clear aligners and braces. Therefore, it’s a good idea to limit them or avoid them while working on your smile.
Staining foods (not a complete list):
- Tea
- Beets
- Curry
- Coffee
- Berries
- Mustard
- Tomatoes
- Red Wine
- Soy sauce
- Grape juice
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Some food colorings
With Invisalign, it’s always a good idea to take out the aligner to eat or drink anything but plain water. Otherwise, foods like these may leave you aligners looking a peculiar color. Similarly, clear ceramic braces could be discolored, though they are resistant to staining.
Hot Liquids and Invisalign
A benefit of Invisalign is the thin aligners are precisely fit and comfortable. However, the thin SmartTrack material is fairly delicate. Consequently, one must not put the aligners in hot water or drink hot beverages while they are in place. Otherwise, they could warp.
While braces won’t warp from hot beverages, some might stain them, such as drinking coffee.
Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks with Braces & Invisalign
When you wear braces or Invisalign, it’s more important to practice good oral hygiene. During this time, it can be a little harder to keep your teeth and gums in top condition. That’s especially true with braces since food can get stuck where you can’t easily reach it.
Even with Invisalign, the American Association of Orthodontists suggests limiting or avoiding sugary foods and drinks.
Since liquids can get under the aligners, it’s best to drink only plain water. Notably, even some bottled waters can pose a problem because they are acidic.
Avoid drinks like these:
- Sodas
- Acidic liquids
- Flavored water
- Fruit drinks
- Sports drinks
- Energy drinks
If you drink something other than water, rinse and brush your teeth soon afterward, wherever possible.
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Avoid Sugary, Sticky, Crunchy, Hard Foods
In our prior post about foods to enjoy with braces, it’s best to avoid foods that are:
- Hard
- Sticky
- Chewy
- Crunchy
- Staining
However, do you have to watch out for these foods with Invisalign? Not as much, but it’s still a good idea to limit sugary foods and hard, crunchy foods, even with Invisalign.
Since these foods coat the teeth with a sugary film, they can promote tooth decay. Also, hard, crunchy bits can be difficult to clean between teeth. Then, when you put your aligners back in, these particles can be trapped and lead to tooth decay.
Foods to Avoid with Invisalign & Braces
Below, we list some examples of foods best limited or avoided with Invisalign & braces:
- Lollypops and suckers
- Sticky, chewy candies
- Taffy, Caramel, Starbursts, or similar
- Hard candies and jawbreakers
- Gummies and jellybeans
- Sour candies
- Popcorn, chips, hard pretzels
- Nuts and crunchy trail mix
- Chewing gum or bubble gum
If you wear braces, watch out for these foods. By doing so, you can avoid an emergency visit to fix a broken or loose wire or bracket. With Invisalign, it’s still a good idea to limit or avoid them to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
On the other hand, you can still reward yourself with a softer, safe treat on occasion, like when you visit us a Mill Creek Orthodontics!
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We hope this list of foods to avoid with braces & Invisalign has been helpful.
At first, it may seem restrictive. However, by sticking to the basic rules, your treatment will be smoother. Then, treatment is complete; you will be able to enjoy all your favorites again. Best of all, you’ll have a fantastic new smile to show for it!
Have any questions? Call us anytime at 434-977-9473. You may also contact us online here.
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