Invisalign orthodontic treatment, the transparent aligners, provide a discrete and practical means of straightening teeth. Nevertheless, there are certain rules about what you can and cannot eat and drink while wearing these teeth-alignment devices. For instance, chewing gum with Invisalign may not be the best idea if you wish to straighten your teeth as soon as possible.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment, which is a set of translucent, removable, custom-made aligners used to gradually straighten teeth. These nearly undetectable thermoplastic trays are made using a 3D computerized treatment plan that shows exactly how your teeth should shift. Each pair of aligners uses mild pressure to move teeth into the proper positions. They are worn for 20 to 22 hours per day and are replaced every one to two weeks.
Its discreet design makes it a popular substitute for traditional braces among people looking for an orthodontic solution that is less obvious.
Is It Okay to Chew Gum with Invisalign?
No, you cannot chew gum with Invisalign, and here’s why:
- Since chewing gum is sticky, it will attach to the plastic of your Invisalign trays, making cleaning and removing them extremely challenging.
- Chewing gum may cause your aligners’ exact form to change or even break. These aligners are specially designed to fit your teeth precisely and use a particular amount of pressure to promote movement.
- Even sugar-free gum can leave a residue on the aligners, which can harbor germs and cause foul breath or other problems with dental health. It can be rather challenging to completely clear trapped gum particles.
- The pressure from chewing gum may hamper the aligners’ moderate force application on your teeth, even causing them to come loose.
Other Don’ts of Invisalign
Here are a few things you shouldn’t do with Invisalign:
Avoid Drinking Anything Other Than Water
While wearing your Invisalign aligners, it’s important to limit your beverage consumption to water. When you consume other beverages with your aligners, such as tea, coffee, or fruit juices, the liquid may become caught between the trays and your teeth.
Don’t Go a Day Without Invisalign
For the treatment to proceed as intended, you must consistently wear your Invisalign aligners. It is usually advised that you wear them for around 22 hours per day. Your treatment schedule may be impacted over time if you miss even one day or night.
Avoid Excessive Heat Exposure
The plastic used to make Invisalign aligners is prone to distortion in the presence of high temperatures. Warping may make it more difficult for your aligners to fit precisely, which will reduce their capacity to move your teeth as intended.
Ending Note!
Invisalign aligners might get caught or damaged if you chew gum while wearing them. To prevent any possible problems, it is advisable to take off your aligners before eating gum. To maintain proper oral hygiene, just make sure to clean your teeth before putting back your aligners.
For further queries and concerns, consult our expert dentist, Dr. Omad Chaudhry, at Enhance Dental at Heritage. Call us at (919) 569-5719 to book your appointment.