4 Tips For Eating And Drinking With Invisalign Trays

Invisalign is a highly popular alternative to braces. Not only are the corrective trays nearly invisible, they typically do not require the same upkeep as their metal counterparts. However, it is important to understand that wearing Invisalign trays is not a 100% carefree experience. if you want to make the most of this treatment, there are some measures you must take, particularly when it comes to eating and drinking. 

1. Remove the Trays

Always remember to remove your trays when you eat. This step is very important because the trays are not intended to be worn when you eat, as heavily abrasive foods can actually damage the trays, and ultimately, your progress. Eventually, you will remember to perform this step, but you may want to put a note on the refrigerator at first to remind you that you need to remove the trays whenever you eat. 

2. Brush and Floss

Before you put the aligners back in your mouth, you will need to brush and floss your teeth. You never want to put the aligners on your dirty teeth. The bacteria from the food you just ate, as well as the food particles in your teeth, will make your teeth more susceptible to damage, as the bacteria will be trapped inside the trays, and it can even lodge on to the tray itself. Clean your teeth no matter how large or small of a meal you eat.

3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

It is safe to keep your Invisalign trays in your mouth when you are drinking water. However, you want to make sure that you avoid drinking water at an extreme temperature while you have the trays in. For example, if you plan to drink hot water or ice-cold water, it is best to remove the trays. Exposure to these extreme temperature changes can damage the trays, and possibly alter their shape, which will make them ineffective at the aligning process. 

4. Regulate Snacking

You can eat in the same way you did before you started wearing the aligner trays, but it is a good idea to regulate your snacking. Remember, each time you eat, you have to remove the trays. You should also remember that you generally need to wear the trays upwards of 20 hours a day for the best results. If you eat your meals and snack all day, your wearing hours could fall beneath the required threshold, so only eat when you are hungry. 

Although these tips are helpful, it is always best to speak with your oral health provider to learn more about how to properly care for your aligners.