Invisalign, Invisalign Adult, Invisalign Teen

Foods to Avoid With Invisalign

Wait a second. Wasn’t I promised that I could eat anything I want if I chose Invisalign!? Yes, you were. With braces, you have to stay away from any foods that are sticky, crunchy, or chewy – with Invisalign, that is all fair game. And really all foods can be had without much worry. At Dunegan&Cole we actually recommend that you keep your aligners in while you eat your meals – if this sounds weird, check out this blog post to understand why.

That being said, there are a few items that you may want to avoid in order to keep your Invisalign crystal clear. Your daily diet can not only stain teeth but also the aligners and attachments. So what food and drink items top this list? Keep scrolling.

Coffee. Not only can it stain, but it’s very acidic. You definitely want to remove your aligners when drinking this sweet, sweet nectar because not only will it discolor your Invisalign aligners, any acidic liquid that gets trapped under the aligner and on your teeth can weaken the enamel over time. Be like me and remove our aligners and even consider sipping your cup of joe through a straw.

Soft drinks. Pop, soda, Coke – whatever you call it, we recommend staying clear. This is one of the worst things to have with your aligners in and drastically increases your chances of developing cavities on all of your teeth. If you must indulge, we recommend taking your aligners out and brushing well OR at least swishing with some water before placing your aligners back in

Red wine. Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Riesling – you are golden. For our reds, you will want to remove your aligners for the same reasons as coffee above.

Turmeric. This middle eastern spice is typically found in hot beverages and delicious dishes. In my opinion, this spice is totally trending now, too. Because of the orange-like tint to this spice, not only should you remove your aligners while eating this, but this is one where you should try and rinse with some water before reinserting them.

Saffron. This is another delicious spice that tastes great with risotto, but is not worth the yellowing it can cause on your pearly whites. Treat this like turmeric: remove your aligners while consuming and rinse with water (or even better – brush your teeth) before reinserting.

Ginger. One last spice that is great for weight loss, but bad for staining. Treat this like turmeric too.

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Invisalign Vs. Traditional Braces – What Should I Do?

Invisalign Vs. Traditional Braces – What Do I Do? This is a question that we get daily as we consult with patients on the treatments available to achieve that perfect smile. It’s no wonder…a great smile can go a long way.

Scientific research suggests that people who smile are perceived as more attractive and confident than those who do not flash their pearly whites. When it comes time to invest in orthodontics to improve your beautiful smile, choosing the best option can be daunting. Comparing Invisalign to traditional braces is a great way to determine what orthodontics make most sense for your unique smile.

How is Invisalign Different?

Unlike traditional braces, in which brackets are affixed onto each tooth and connected by wires, Invisalign corrects orthodontic problems using multiple sets of clear trays. These trays are specially formed to fit your teeth, allowing you to wear them 24/7.

Aesthetics

One of the primary advantages of Invisalign is that the clear trays are nearly invisible. Particularly for adults self-conscious about appearing professional with traditional braces, Invisalign can correct orthodontic issues without capturing the notice of others. Their nearly invisible appearance is one of the topmost reasons that orthodontic patients choose Invisalign.

The complexity of the Orthodontic Problem

Invisalign works well for people who have relatively minor problems, such as crooked teeth or small gaps in between teeth. For more complex problems, particular issues with bite or vertical problems (i.e., one tooth being significantly higher than another), traditional braces may be better at pulling teeth into alignment.

Eating and Drinking

Invisalign trays are removable, meaning that you cannot eat or drink while wearing them. Unlike traditional braces, however, you are not limited to the food you can eat. Chewy, sticky, or hard foods may be eaten, provided that you brush your teeth before reinserting the Invisalign trays.

In the end, only can weigh the pros and cons of Invisalign versus traditional braces. Consult with us here at Dunegan & Cole to understand how these orthodontic interventions may work for your unique situation. Schedule a complimentary consultation today to find out if you or your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment.

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