Can I Eat and Drink Normally During Invisalign® Treatment?
Invisalign is the preferred way to straighten teeth for countless men, women, and teens, largely due to its inconspicuous appearance and added convenience compared with traditional metal braces. With Invisalign, patients can feel confident about smiling, having their photo taken, and more. At Made Ya Smile Dental in Houston, TX, our team is proud to offer Invisalign as a discreet, comfortable, and efficient solution for achieving a straight and beautiful smile. One of the most common questions patients ask when considering Invisalign is whether they’ll need to stay away from any particular foods and beverages. Here, we’ll answer that question and other Invisalign FAQs to help you better understand what to expect during your course of treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign treatment involves wearing customized clear plastic trays up to 20-22 hours per days, including while sleeping. Every 1-2 weeks, the patient will switch to a new set of aligners, which is slightly different. Over the course of treatment, this process will help gradually shift the teeth into their new positions for a straighter and more seamless new smile. Generally speaking, Invisalign is considered an appropriate option for patients with:
- Mildly to moderately crooked teeth
- Mild to moderate bite misalignment
- Gaps between the teeth
- Crowding
Patients with more extensive orthodontic needs may be better candidates for another treatment option, which may possibly be followed up with a course of Invisalign. During your initial consultation and exam for Invisalign, one of our knowledgeable dentists will determine whether Invisalign may be a suitable and effective solution for you.
How Do I Eat With Invisalign?
One of the most exciting benefits of Invisalign treatment is that the clear plastic trays can be taken out for short periods of time, which can make activities that are often difficult with traditional braces – like eating, brushing, and flossing – easier and more comfortable. Not only that, but it means patients do not have to stop eating the foods they would have to stay away from with braces, including popcorn and gummy candies. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that hard, crunchy, sticky, and sugary foods may be damaging to the teeth whether you are undergoing orthodontic treatment or not. In general, it’s always advisable to minimize your consumption of these types of foods and to brush and floss twice daily. It’s also important for Invisalign patients to remember to wear their aligners as often as possible, removing them only when necessary for eating, having a photo taken, playing an instrument, brushing, and other short activities.
How Long Does Invisalign Take To Straighten The Teeth?
While the length of Invisalign treatment can vary slightly from patient to patient, it typically takes an average of about 11 – 12 months for patients to achieve an optimal outcome. Wearing your trays as often as possible and adhering to our Invisalign guidelines can help to make your treatment as efficient and successful as possible.
Say Goodbye To Crooked Teeth And Hello To The Smile You’ve Always Wanted With Invisalign In Houston, TX
Are you self-conscious about your crooked smile but don’t love the idea of traditional braces? If so, you may be excited to hear more about the benefits of Invisalign. Take the first step toward a straighter smile today by calling Made Ya Smile Dental to schedule your Houston, TX Invisalign consultation.
