If you are among those who have worn braces, or you are simply familiar with what the process entails, you are likely aware of all the foods patients are warned against eating. You were probably told to avoid anything that is especially sugary, sticky, hard, or chewy. The list of forbidden items can sometimes seem endless, and that can cause real frustration. If straighter teeth are a priority for you, but you are concerned about the impact braces may have on your daily diet, removable aligners may be the way to go.
Invisalign and similar options serve as a great alternative to conventional braces, and they can be removed prior to each meal. Patients who opt for Invisalign need not eliminate any foods or drinks from their routines. Some of the foods that are no-nos with traditional braces but are fine with Invisalign include:
1. Items that are bitten with the front teeth
Corn on the cob, apples, and other similar items can be extremely risky for those wearing traditional braces because the hard nature of those foods can cause loosening and even breakage of wires and brackets. With Invisalign, however, there is no problem when it comes to enjoying these items, because you can simply take the aligners out and proceed with your meal.
2. Hard items such as candies and nuts
Similarly, taking a bite out of a hard candy or a handful of crunchy nuts can result in dislodged and loosened brackets. It is never a good idea to chew ice when wearing braces, either. Furthermore, foods you might not suspect as being problematic, such as crusty bread, can also pose risks to traditional braces. As such, it is wise for such patients to cut things like meat, raw vegetables, croutons, and the like before eating them.
3. Chewy treats
Favorites such as chewing gum, caramels, gummy candies, and the like may be fun to eat, but with traditional braces, they can really wreak havoc. Ending up with such foods stuck to your wires and brackets can be a dilemma you will regret. If you are an Invisalign patient, however, you simply need to take the aligners out prior to indulging, and you can have your beloved sweet treats without worry.
An added benefit of being able to eat the foods you love while undergoing Invisalign treatment is that you can also be free from unduly complex oral hygiene requirements. While wearing conventional braces, you can still have issues with food lodging itself in the wires and brackets, even if you are careful with what you eat. You will have to be religious with your flossing and brushing to prevent greater risk of tooth decay and staining that can reveal itself once the braces are finally removed.
When you choose Invisalign treatment, you need not concern yourself with specific menu limitations or detailed oral hygiene regimens. You can easily take your aligners out before eating, enjoy the foods you love, brush your teeth, and put the aligners back into place. Whether you enjoy fresh corn, juicy apples, or sticky candies, you are free to do as you please.
If you would like to learn more about whether Invisalign treatment makes sense for you, contact us today! The team at Herrmann Orthodontics stands ready to help straighten and beautify your smile!