The discreetness and ease of Invisalign® has made it one of the most sought-after forms of orthodontic treatment today. It's a series of clear, comfortable aligners made from flexible medical-grade plastic, applying controlled force to specific teeth at different stages of treatment - a gentler way to gain a straighter smile compared with fixed metal braces.
The benefits include discreetness, removability, comfort, versatility and minimal disruption to your diet - which for many patients is a major deciding factor.
Invisalign's Big Lifestyle Win: Dietary Freedom
Invisalign® fits into daily life with very little disruption. As long as you brush twice daily, floss, keep the aligners clean, and wear them for at least 22 hours a day, slotting Invisalign® into your routine is straightforward.
Dietary freedom sits high on most patients' lists, and Invisalign® offers exactly that. The removable design means you can keep eating and drinking what you like through treatment - as long as you remember to remove the aligners first, keep your teeth and aligners clean, and pop the aligners back in afterwards. Your teeth and gums may feel a little sensitive after fitting or after switching to new trays, but otherwise the rules are reassuringly simple.
The Process of Eating and Drinking During Invisalign
Here's the routine to follow to keep treatment on track.
- **Remove your aligners before eating** - nothing should be eaten while wearing them, including small or soft foods. Any food can damage the aligners or stain the plastic.
- **Only drink cold or room-temperature water with aligners in** - hot drinks can warp and reshape the aligners, which affects how they fit. Take them out for a cuppa.
- **Look after your aligners while you eat** - once removed, put them in their protective case. They're far less likely to be lost or thrown away that way.
- **Clean your teeth and aligners after eating** - food particles trapped between teeth and aligners can lead to bacteria build-up. Brushing and flossing after meals is best; if that's not possible, swill your mouth and aligners with cool water until you can get to a brush.
- **Don't forget to put your aligners back in** - the wear-time target is at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Forgetting to put them back in delays treatment and can mean re-wearing earlier trays.
Comparing with Fixed Braces
Before clear aligners, fixed metal braces were the norm. Hard, crunchy and sticky foods aren't permitted with fixed braces because they can break the brackets or wires. Staining foods and drinks (red wine, tea, coffee, curry) are best avoided too, as they can leave marks on the teeth around the brackets. Fixed braces also make oral hygiene harder - food gets caught between brackets and wires and is trickier to clean.
Invisalign at Your Specialist Orthodontist in Sandbach
Our team at Cheshire Orthodontics can help you pursue a straighter smile with Invisalign®. It's one of our most popular treatments because of its comfort, removability, discreetness and ease of use.
To find out whether Invisalign® is right for you, contact a Specialist Orthodontist in Sandbach and book a consultation.