Eating With Lingual Braces Or Invisalign: Dos And Don’ts

Eating is tricky whether you are wearing lingual braces (incognito braces) or Invisalign®. You will have more freedom of choice with Invisalign® because you can remove them for eating. Simply put, lingual braces look just like traditional metal ones but are placed behind your teeth out of sight and you must avoid certain foods.

First: A Primer

What are lingual braces (also known as incognito braces)

You already know about the traditional metal braces placed on the front of the teeth. What sets lingual braces apart is in their placement on the back of the teeth. Lingual braces are virtually invisible, and that's the main reason eligible patients choose them. This partly explains why they are more common among adults than children. One other advantage is if you play a wind instrument or a sport, lingual braces are easier to adapt to than traditional braces.

What are Invisalign® braces?

Invisalign® is a type of orthodontic treatment that helps to straighten teeth without the use of the typical metal braces. Invisalign® involves wearing a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that help shift your teeth into the proper position. Patients who would have never considered braces before are now giving Invisalign® a shot.

Eating With Invisalign®

Invisalign® will allow you more freedom simply because you can remove them while eating foods that are taboo for wearers od other kinds of braces. Still, you must be careful when consuming beverages for, though you needn’t remove Invisalign® to do so, it could result in staining your teeth. But by all means, stay away from gum! First, you may forget you’re wearing Invisalign®. Second, even when removing the aligners, chewing gum can alter teeth alignment thus being counter-productive. 

Thinking of snacking? Be prepared to brush more often.

You’ll want to give your aligners a clean territory on which to reside for the next several hours so, after your meal or snack, brush your teeth. Keep small travel toothbrushes handy for use throughout your day. After all, your aligners and enamel spend a lot of time very close together – both surfaces should be as clean as possible before going on “lockdown” for a little while so that your aligners stay clean and clear and your teeth cavity-free. With lingual braces, you also should brush after snacking but also must be careful to avoid certain foods.

Eating With Lingual Braces

Foods that are not okay to eat with lingual braces are the following:

• Beef jerky.
• Raw carrots.
• Whole apples.
• Corn on the cob.
• Bagels.
• Crusty bread.
• Sticky candy.
• Popcorn.

There are others, of course, but be sure they are of the same type to avoid: Sticky, Crunchy, Chewy or Hard.

To Be Safe, Think Soft, Clear!

Whether you’re wearing lingual braces or Invisalign®, eating soft foods are best. Pasta, yogurt, and soft vegetables are a good choice certainly for lingual wearers but won’t damage alignment or development of teeth with Invisalign, either. The same goes for beverages. When in doubts opt for clear cool water and you won’t go wrong.
 
Ask the dental professionals at Forest&Ray about other great tips and suggestions to make your braces experience—whichever you choose—an enjoyable one.