Month: July 2023

When you want to get straight teeth and a stunning smile, you have many options available now to have all of that. Earlier, you only had the option of wearing traditional braces, which came with a list of foods you could not eat during the treatment period. But this restriction is no longer applicable with the arrival of clear braces or Invisalign. Since you can remove these plastic trays as and when you want, there is absolutely nothing you can not eat during your Invisalign treatment. 

Invisalign has made it extremely comfortable and convenient for people to get perfectly aligned teeth without having to look funny with the metallic brackets jutting out. But there are a few do’s and don’ts that one must follow while wearing these invisible aligners so that you are on track in your journey towards straight teeth. 

In this article, you will find two lists, one telling you what dentists recommend while on Invisalign treatment, and the other one will tell you what you should avoid when you are aligning your teeth with clear aligners.

Things One Should Avoid During Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign works for most teeth alignment issues, such as crooked teeth, gapped teeth, etc. But you must wear the aligners for a minimum of twenty-two hours to achieve the desired result in the stipulated time. If you wish to have a dazzling smile as soon as possible with the clear aligners, avoid doing the following things:

• Do not leave your aligner out for long – You must remove your aligners when you eat anything but put them back immediately after you have finished eating. The aligners are less effective if you do not wear them as per the recommended hours. If you feel you might forget to wear your trays, put an alarm on your phone to remind you to wear Invisalign.
• Do not leave the trays out in the open – When you take out your aligners, store them in their case, as leaving them in the air exposes them to various airborne pathogens, which can build up bacteria in your aligners. You are also likely to damage or lose your trays if not securely placed in the case. If you have left your Invisalign out for a long time, you should soak and rinse it when you wear them back.
• Do not use toothpaste or other harsh materials to clean your trays – Any material with strong colors or scent is abrasive and can damage your aligners. It will also leave some residue on your Invisalign that could lead to discoloration in the long run. Another disadvantage of using soaps or toothpaste is the unpleasant taste it might give your trays. 
• Do not dirty your aligners – Your aligners must be clean at all times, and you can only drink water with your trays on. For eating or drinking anything other than water, you must remove your aligners first, and when you put them back, make sure you brush your teeth and rinse your aligners with an appropriate cleaning solution. This will prevent staining of your aligners and any chances of plaque or bacteria buildup. If your aligners are not clean, you might end up with cavities.
• Do not expose them to heat and air – If you drink any hot beverage or clean your aligners with hot water, or even leave them inside a hot car, your aligners can warp. This will harm your progress as warping will make the aligners ill-fitted. So do not expose your aligners to any kind of extreme heat, and for rinsing, always use lukewarm water. When you want to drink hot beverages, take your aligners out,
• Do not jump ahead to the next tray in case you lose your current aligners – If you lose your aligners, you must contact your dentist, who will instruct you on how to proceed. If you move to the next set of trays earlier than scheduled, it could cause tooth shrinkage or resorption. This could lead to unstable teeth, which can eventually fall off. Since each set of trays is pre-programmed to achieve a specific amount of tooth movement and plays a critical role in your overall results, you must stick to the prescribed plan without jumping to the next set.
• Avoid smoking – Since Invisalign requires you to wear them for twenty to twenty-two hours, you can find enough time only to eat and drink. Hence, a bad habit of smoking can not find a place during your Invisalign treatment period. If you think you can smoke with aligners on, remember that smoking would quickly discolor your trays due to the presence of nicotine in them.

Some Of The Things You Must Do While Wearing Invisalign

Now that we have seen things to avoid during your clear aligners are on, let us also learn about some do’s when you are on this treatment:

• Wear them for twenty to twenty-two hours – You will get desired results in the required timeframe only if you wear your aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours. If you fail to do so, your treatment might prolong, and in the worst case, your next aligner might not fit you, and you might have to get a new set made.
• Clean your aligners daily – Since Invisalign is removable, it is easy to clean them. Use a soft-bristled brush and lukewarm water along with any cleaning solution which is specifically suited for these plastic trays to clean them. You must clean them in the morning and also before going to bed. During meals rinsing the aligners should be good enough.
• Brush your teeth after any meal and before you put your aligners back – Your aligners fit on your teeth snugly, and if there is any food or debris on your teeth, your aligners can catch them. Since the saliva does not flow freely while aligners are on your teeth, the food would sit on them and can lead to tooth decay. Brush or, at the minimum, rinse your mouth after you eat anything and before you wear your aligners.

Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment for fixing crooked and gapped teeth; wearing aligners comes with a set of rules, and you could get great results if you follow the dos and don’ts outlined in this article.

It is common for children and teenagers to feel uncomfortable hearing the term “brace-face,” which describes how awkward their mouths and faces look when wearing metal braces. Earlier metal braces used to be the first line of treatment for straightening teeth for kids but off-late the trend has changed. Now, more than 5 million kids in the US wear Invisalign to correct their smile.

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that consists of clear aligners that gently and gradually align your teeth in their proper places and give you a dazzling smile. At the same time, they are invisible, and people cannot make out you are wearing braces. Moreover, Invisalign trays are also removable so that you do not have to give up on your favorite foods due to aligners.

Most parents have likely had traditional braces fitted during their childhood, so they might be skeptical about the efficiency of Invisalign as a result of their own experience. If you are also someone in a fix about whether to go for Invisalign for your kids or not, then this article is for you as it will clear all your doubts about Invisalign for kids.

Why Invisalign for Kids?

Parents whose kids are using Invisalign like the treatment as it means fewer visits to the dentist, no need for emergency appointments, and happier children. Teenagers love this treatment as it is invisible so they don’t feel gawky in their social circle. The aligners also cause less discomfort and pain.

• These clear aligners are convenient

Your kid can remove the aligners which makes them very convenient. Since you need the aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours a day, you get two to four hours every day when you can take them out. So children get a lot of wiggle time which is great for them. 

If your child plays sports or is in a band, they can remove the trays and continue their normal activities without any issues. Kids can also eat anything they want to and will not have to go without having their favorite foods like popcorn, for the period of treatment. Braces can be more painful for kids which gives Invisalign another feather in the cap when it comes to teeth straightening options for your child.

• Less time at the dentist 

Teenagers and children have a much busier life than others. They are involved in a variety of spots and additional extra-curricular activities. Some of them could also be having part-time jobs. So for kids, it could be hard to squeeze in time for doing homework or relaxing which leaves very little time left to see a dentist. 

Fortunately, Invisalign needs your child to spend very little time at the dentist. With traditional braces, you must visit your dentist frequently since your teeth would move only when the wires are adjusted or changed. This could be quite often, such as once or twice a month. This would mean you need to take time off from work and your kid needs to miss his school time. Since you are given your entire set of aligners in one go, your kid can change the aligners at home.  The clear aligners need you to come either once a month or every two months to check if the aligners are working.

• It is easy to clean these removable trays 

Parents will get a big relief knowing that it is a breeze to clean Invisalign. When your kid brushes or flosses his/her teeth, they would remove the aligners and simply need to brush the aligners with a soft toothbrush and water. You should not use toothpaste on the aligners as they are too abrasive and might leave visible scratch marks on the aligners. In case your child isn’t able to clean his aligners properly, Invisalign comes with a cleaning system that can be purchased.

• Less chance of cavities 

The traditional braces have food traps but the clear trays can be removed and you can easily brush and floss your teeth. When wearing braces, your kid has to learn how to use new tools and spend a lot of time maintaining good oral hygiene. All this fuss can be avoided with Invisalign.

• Your kid feels confident 

Metal braces can surely give your child a beautiful smile but they come with their social concerns. This social stigma of wearing braces has been dealt with beautifully with these invisible aligners. Your child can remove the aligners at any time they feel like making them feel free and confident.

What Factors Determine If You Should Opt For Invisalign For Your Kids

Whether or not Invisalign is a great option for your child depends on your kid.

• Consider the age of your child and his or her maturity level to understand the responsibility associated with these removable aligners. If the child is apt to misplace or lose aligners, it can pose issues.
• The aligners are designed to be effective if worn for twenty to twenty-two hours, so your child needs to be responsible enough to not remove the aligners for long.
• Some alignment issues can only be corrected by braces, such as impacted teeth or severe misalignment problems. Since braces have more pull compared to Invisalign, children would need braces if their teeth need to move a considerable distance to get to their desired positions.

For children who are responsible and mature enough to handle removable braces, Invisalign can be one of the best options when it comes to straightening their teeth. Based on the specific teeth conditions, your orthodontist may advise you whether these clear trays are suitable for your child or not.

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that may be necessary for various reasons, such as tooth decay, gum disease, trauma, or orthodontic treatment. After tooth extraction, following proper post-operative care, including dietary guidelines, is crucial to promote healing, prevent complications, and ensure optimal recovery.

Knowing what foods to eat and avoid after tooth extraction can significantly impact healing and help you return to normalcy faster. This article will discuss the recommended foods to eat and foods to avoid after tooth extraction to aid recovery.

Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction

Following a tooth extraction, choosing soft, easy-to-chew, and nutrient-rich foods that do not require excessive chewing or cause irritation to the extraction site is essential. Here are some examples of foods that are typically recommended to eat after tooth extraction:

1. Soft fruits and vegetables: Cooked or canned fruits and vegetables, mashed bananas, avocados, applesauce, and fruit smoothies are excellent options. They are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can help support your immune system and promote healing.
2. Protein-rich foods: Soft-cooked eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, protein shakes, and pureed beans are good sources of protein that can aid in tissue repair and regeneration after tooth extraction.
3. Liquid or pureed soups: Broth-based soups, pureed vegetable soups, and cream soups are nutritious options that can be easily consumed without much chewing. Avoid hot soups to prevent any burns.
4. Soft grains: Cooked oatmeal, cream of wheat, mashed potatoes, and pasta are examples of soft grains that provide energy and can be easily swallowed.
5. Soft, tender meats: Cooked and shredded chicken, fish, and ground meat are good protein sources and can be easily consumed without chewing.

Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction

In addition to knowing what foods to eat, it is equally important to know what foods to avoid after tooth extraction to prevent complications and promote healing. Here are some foods that are typically recommended to avoid after tooth extraction:

1. Hard and crunchy foods: Hard candies, nuts, seeds, chips, and popcorn can be abrasive to the extraction site and may cause irritation or damage to the healing tissues.
2. Chewy or sticky foods: Chewy candies, caramel, taffy, gummies, and dried fruits can get stuck in between the teeth and disrupt the healing process.
3. Spicy or acidic foods: Spicy foods and acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar-based dressings may cause discomfort, stinging, or burning sensation around the teeth.
4. Carbonated beverages: Carbonated beverages, including soda and sparkling water, should be avoided as the carbonation can create pressure in the mouth and potentially dislodge blood clots that form at the extraction site, leading to a condition called dry socket, which can be painful and delay healing.
5. Alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications after tooth extraction. It is essential to refrain from alcohol consumption and smoking during the recovery period.
6. Hot foods and beverages: Hot foods and beverages can increase blood flow to the extraction site, potentially leading to bleeding or dislodging blood clots. Avoiding hot foods and drinks until the teeth and gums fully heal is recommended.

Some general eating tips to keep in mind after tooth extraction

1. Start with clear liquids: In the immediate hours after tooth extraction, it is recommended to start with clear liquids such as water, broth, or clear juice to prevent dehydration and help soothe the mouth.
2. Avoid using straws: Straws can create suction in the mouth, potentially dislodge blood clots and delay healing. It is best to avoid using straws for drinking after tooth extraction.
3. Take small, slow bites: When you are ready to transition to soft foods, take small and slow bites to avoid putting excessive pressure on the teeth. Cut food into small pieces and chew carefully on the opposite side of the extraction site.
4. Avoid excessive chewing: Minimize chewing on the side of the mouth where the tooth extraction has occurred to prevent irritation or damage to the gums and teeth. Opt for softer foods that require minimal chewing.
5. Follow your dentist’s instructions: Every tooth extraction case is unique, and your dentist may provide specific dietary guidelines based on your condition. Following your dentist’s instructions and recommendations for optimal recovery is essential.

Lastly, proper nutrition plays a crucial role in the healing process after tooth extraction. Following a soft, nutrient-rich diet and avoiding foods that can potentially irritate or damage the extraction site is essential for promoting healing, preventing complications, and ensuring a smooth recovery.