Are you dealing with crooked teeth? Don’t worry – you’re not alone! Many people have this issue, and there are plenty of orthodontic treatments that can give you a beautiful, straighter smile. Before you think about getting Invisalign®, you need to know how to clean Invisalign and properly care for your teeth and oral health while going through this clear aligner treatment. 

Why is Taking Care of Your Teeth Important During an Invisalign Treatment? 

It’s always important to take care of your teeth, but during an orthodontic treatment they will require a little more love. Neglecting your oral health will not only make your treatment ineffective, but it can also prolong it. The last thing you want to deal with is getting an infection or some other oral disease because you haven’t been as attentive to your teeth. Proper care for your teeth during an Invisalign treatment includes cleaning Invisalign, good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and a good diet. 

How Do I Protect My Enamel With Invisalign? (Best Foods for Your Teeth) 

What you choose to eat or drink can impact your systemic health and your oral health. You’ll want to start consuming foods and beverages that can promote better oral hygiene and leave your teeth healthy. If you want to take better care of your teeth during your Invisalign treatment, try introducing the following into your diet more. 

Lean Protein 

Lean protein cuts contain phosphorus and protein that help keep your teeth healthy. By adding more of these to your diet, it can protect the enamel on your teeth. Some examples of lean protein you can try are poultry, meat, fish, and tofu. 

Black and Green Tea 

The ingredients found in unsweetened black and green tea are great for fighting plaque. They’re also known to help slow the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth. You’ll even find that green tea can offer antioxidants that promote your overall health! 

Dairy Products 

Dairy products are good for your teeth because they encourage saliva production, which protects your teeth. Some of them are also high in protein and calcium, both of which can help strengthen your teeth. Some good dairy products for your teeth include cheese, yogurt, and milk. 

Food with Fluoride 

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in water and food. It plays a big role in building strong teeth and preventing tooth decay. By adding more fluoride to your diet, your teeth will absorb the mineral and make your teeth resistant to acid. Some food and drinks that contain plenty of fluoride are spinach, grapes, potatoes, and coffee. 

Fiber-Rich Fruits and Vegetables 

Foods that are rich in fiber can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Like dairy products, they encourage saliva production and protect your teeth against cavities and gum disease. They’re also known to restore minerals to your teeth that have previously been lost. Some great fiber-rich fruits and vegetables include apples, strawberries, carrots, and broccoli. 

What Foods Should I Avoid During Invisalign Treatment? (Worst Foods for Your Teeth) 

Just like some foods are healthy for your teeth, there are also some that can cause problems. Unfortunately, most of what’s on the list is probably what you enjoy the most. Below are some you’ll want to eliminate or, at the very least, reduce from your diet. We’d like to think the health of your teeth will take priority over your favorite food. 

Hard Foods 

Biting into hard or crunchy foods can put stress on your teeth and possibly cause one to crack or chip. Try to limit how much potato chips you consume. We know some hard foods can be beneficial for your teeth, so here’s a quick tip: cut apples and carrots into smaller pieces to avoid hairline fractures on your front teeth. 

Sticky Foods 

Foods or candy that are too sticky can get stuck in your teeth and make it harder to completely clear out of your mouth. The longer food is left to stick to your teeth, the higher your chances will be of developing tooth decay. To satisfy your sweet tooth, try something like chocolate, which can clear out of your mouth quickly. 

Staining Foods 

Some foods and drinks are prone to leaving stains on your teeth the more you consume them. As a result, you’ll end up with deep staining that won’t come off easily with teeth whitening treatments. Tea, wine, coffee, strawberries, and deeply colored sauces can leave unsightly stains on your teeth if you consume them too frequently. 

Alcohol 

Drinking a lot of alcohol can dry your mouth out, which is bad for your oral health. Without enough saliva, you have nothing preventing food from sticking to your teeth or washing away food particles. Saliva is also known to help repair early signs of some oral infections, including tooth decay and gum disease. 

Soft Breads 

Did you know that when you chew bread, your saliva breaks down the starches into sugar? Once that happens, it sticks to the crevices between your teeth and causes cavities. Less refined bread contains less sugar and isn’t easily broken down, making them a good alternative if you want some carbs. 

How to Clean Invisalign 

Taking care of your oral health is good, but so is taking care of your Invisalign trays. After all, you need them to be in the best shape for a successful treatment! Below are some tips on how to clean Invisalign and how you can care for your aligners to ensure they remain effective for the duration of your Invisalign treatment. 

• Never eat or drink while wearing your aligners 
• Always rinse your aligners before putting them in 
• Avoid abrasive material when cleaning your aligners 
• Brush and floss your teeth after removing your aligners 
• Keep your aligners in their case when you’re not using them 

What Happens After Invisalign Treatment? 

Taking care of your teeth after an Invisalign treatment is crucial for maintaining your newly straightened smile. Many people are unaware that your teeth can shift back to how they were before your treatment if you don’t wear a retainer. It’s key to keeping your teeth aligned. 

After your Invisalign treatment, your teeth might also feel a little sensitive – this is normal! Give your teeth some time before eating food that is difficult to chew. You’ll also still want to regularly visit your dentist after completing your treatment so they can help you maintain your oral health. Finally, continue to regularly brush and floss so that your smile can be both straight and healthy.  

Are You Interested in Invisalign Treatment? 

As a Top 1% Diamond+ Invisalign provider, Shapiro Family Dentistry is proud to offer Invisalign treatments in south Florida. If you need an orthodontic treatment and don’t want to deal with the limitations of metal braces, we’d love to tell you more about this incredible solution. Book your virtual Invisalign Consultation today, and let us answer your questions and determine the best option for your unique needs.  

**Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.