March is the 50th anniversary of National Nutrition Month and with spring almost here, this is a great time to renew your focus on eating tooth-friendly foods to help your smile thrive. It’s important to get the nutrients you need for healthy teeth and gums so that they are in their best shape when you complete your Invisalign® clear aligner therapy so you can show your smile off with confidence!
Healthy Foods and Tips While Undergoing Invisalign® Therapy
One of the benefits of straightening your teeth with Invisalign is that you can eat crunchy fruits, nuts, and vegetables that you can’t eat with braces. You also want to choose foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins C and A. For example, these tooth-friendly foods are recommended by the American Dental Association:
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Milk
- Plain yogurt
- Tofu
Just remember to always take out your Invisalign trays before eating. Since your Invisalign aligners work by straightening your teeth using pressure which shifts them into their desired position, you won’t want your teeth to move when you eat. So while eating hard foods and candy are technically okay, please make sure they aren’t so hard that they push your teeth out of their position.
Of course, it’s not just eating that could harm your Invisalign trays; please refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, tea, coffee and soda or chewing gum as those will become stuck on your tray and stain them (along with your teeth). The dairy products we mentioned earlier are loaded with calcium and protein, both of which support good tooth health. Dairy also increases your mouth’s pH level, which fights off the harmful oral bacteria that cause cavities. These fruits (melons, berries, plums) and veggies (cucumber, tomatoes, zucchini ) are high in water to keep your mouth well hydrated which protects tooth enamel.
Invisalign Tips
1-After wearing your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours, consider cleaning your aligner tray when you take them out to eat so they will be sanitized and ready to put back in once you are done. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, antibacterial soap, and warm water to clean them, as these are gentle on your trays to avoid warping or damaging them.
2-Always clean your teeth after you eat so the aligner tray will fit over your teeth properly and without bacterial buildup that could potentially lead to infection and damage to teeth and gums.
3-Set an alarm reminder to make sure you wear your aligner trays for the necessary time and be sure to replace them every two weeks as instructed to stay on track.
4-Remember to come in every four to six weeks so our orthodontists, Dr. DeArment and Dr. Lill, can track your teeth movements and provide additional trays (if needed) to finish your aligner therapy.
Call Today!
Our skilled orthodontists, Dr. DeArment and Dr. Lill, have been designated as Diamond Plus Invisalign® providers which recognizes the top Invisalign® providers in all of North America. They are happy to help you create the healthier, straighter teeth you deserve (and have always wanted). Please give us a call today to learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation!