Unlike with traditional braces, you can eat whatever you want with Invisalign and not have to worry about how it will affect your treatment. Whenever it’s time for a meal or snack, you can just slip your aligners off until you’re done, nice and easy! However, keeping your teeth healthy and cavity-free is essential to your treatment staying on track, and with these 6 Invisalign-friendly foods, you’ll be able to do exactly that!
1. Cheese
Cheese of all kinds is rich in calcium, healthy fats, and even protein, all of which can strengthen your enamel and make it more resistant to decay. As an added bonus, cheese is also a rich source of Vitamin D, and it actually raises the pH level of your mouth, making it less hospitable for harmful bacteria.
2. Yogurt
Sticking with dairy, yogurt is also a great source of calcium and protein. If you need a quick breakfast or snack between meals, yogurt that doesn’t contain any added sugar is an ideal choice.
3. Apples
Apples taste delicious, come in many varieties, and whenever you eat one, it causes your body to naturally produce more saliva, which helps to wash away any bacteria or leftover food particles in your mouth. Plus, because of their fibrous texture, they actually give your teeth and gums a nice scrub with every bite as well, preventing the formation of plaque. Apples certainly can’t replace brushing your teeth, but eating one in the middle of the day is a great way to calm your appetite and refresh your smile while you’re on the go.
4. Almonds
If you’re not a big fan of dairy or are lactose intolerant, almonds are also a great way to incorporate more calcium and protein into your diet. Similar to apples, their crunch indicates that they actually help break up plaque while you chew them.
5. Leafy Greens
Dark greens like spinach and kale are absolutely packed with the vitamins and minerals your body needs to build and maintain strong teeth, including calcium, which is an important part of your enamel’s makeup. If you don’t particularly like salads, you can always have your greens in smoothie form and still enjoy all of their benefits.
6. Berries
Blueberries, cherries, and strawberries all contain antioxidants as well as certain compounds that make it more difficult for plaque to cling onto your teeth. While they are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, don’t overdo it with darkly colored berries as they can actually stain your teeth/aligners!
Following a diet that is rich in these foods is a good choice whether you’re using Invisalign or not, but while straightening your teeth, they’ll go a long way in ensuring that your smile stays healthy from beginning to end. Of course, it’s important that you don’t forget to brush your teeth and clean your aligners every day as well. That way, your treatment will progress as fast as possible, and you’ll be done before you know it!
About the Author
Dr. Masha Kogan is a family, restorative, and cosmetic dentist who has been practicing in Westport for nearly 20 years. If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign and how it could be used to straighten your teeth, she’d be more than happy to talk to you. To get in touch, she can be reached through her website.