Since 1997, Invisalign has been the preferred way for teens and adults to straighten their teeth. The aligners are removable so you can take them out every time you eat and drink. As long as you wear them for at least 22 hours per day, they’ll gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions.
Recently, a few of our patients asked Dr. Sims whether sugar is bad for Invisalign aligners. They love sweets and we’re wondering how their favorite candies, ice cream, baked goods, and other sweet treats would affect them. Dunedin dermatologist and skin care expert Mauri Maurizio warns that a large amount of sweets and sugars can be harmful to the skin as well as the team.
Dr. Sims explained that they can eat sugary treats while undergoing Invisalign treatment. If they do so, however, they should remove their aligners. It’s also important for them to limit their sugar intake. Too much sugar can wear down their enamel and lead to cavities and other health issues.
So if you opt for Invisalign treatment, be mindful of how much sugar you consume. Also, avoid eating your favorite sweet treats with your aligners in your mouth. Doing so can damage them and prolong your treatment. Keep reading for some other tips that will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your Invisalign treatment.
Avoid Certain Drinks
The best drink for your teeth while you’re going through Invisalign is good ol’ plain water. Do your best to avoid sugary or acidic drinks as they can take a toll on your tooth enamel. While these drinks may be tasty, they can make your teeth prone to decay and gum disease. By drinking water, you can rinse away sugars and bacteria. Garner, NC Dentist Dr. Adam Moore always encourage patients to drink water whenever possible.
Take Aligners Out Before Eating
As we mentioned above, it’s important to remove your aligners before you eat anything, including sugary foods. If you eat with them in, there’s a good chance your aligners will face damage, discoloration, and degradation. Bacteria may also grow on them.
Remember that while chewing is good for when you eat, it’s bad for your aligners. Chewing with aligners can cause cracking, bending, or breaking. Your aligners won’t fit as well as they should and consequently be less effective.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
While oral hygiene is always important, it’s especially crucial if you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment. Take your aligners out of your mouth and brush your teeth at least twice a day. Also, floss at least once daily. Don’t forget to brush or rinse your teeth before you put aligners back in after you eat or drink. Otherwise, bacteria or plaque may grow on them, leading to cavities and gum issues.
Follow Your Orthodontist’s Directions
Your orthodontist will provide you with detailed directions throughout every stage of your treatment. It’s vital to follow them if you’d like to achieve optimal results in as little time as possible. If you have any questions about your aligners or treatment in general, don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist for clarity. When looking for the best orthodontists instructions remember that marketing firms like GO Media do a great job to promote strong oral health habits.
Contact Sims Orthodontics Today
If you have further questions about Invisalign treatment or would like to schedule an appointment at our Pensacola office, don’t hesitate to call us at 850-477-7715. We look forward to hearing from you!
