When undergoing Invisalign® treatment, you might find yourself wondering about the impact of holiday foods on your clear aligners.
The festive season brings an array of delicious treats, but some of these can cause staining and discoloration of your trays. Paying attention to your food choices helps you keep a beautiful smile while enjoying the celebrations.
Foods and Beverages to Avoid
Certain foods and drinks can cause stains. Keep this list in mind during your holiday gatherings:
- Red Wine: A holiday favorite, red wine can leave a significant mark on your aligners.
- Coffee and Tea: Coffee and tea can stain your trays, turning them yellow or brown.
- Tomato-Based Sauces: Dishes like pasta and pizza are staples during the holidays, but the tomato sauce can lead to deep aligner discoloration.
- Berries: Dark berries like blueberries and blackberries pack vitamins but can also stain your trays.
- Certain Desserts: Foods like chocolate cake or brightly colored candies can leave residue on your trays.
The fact is, nearly any food or beverage, except for water, can cause aligner stains. That’s why we recommend our best practices for maintaining Invisalign aligners to all our patients.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your Invisalign Trays
To keep your trays in great condition during the holidays, follow these simple tips:
Remove Your Trays When Eating or Drinking
Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Doing so helps prevent liquids and food particles from getting trapped and staining your trays. We recommend being very meticulous about aligner care: Always carry an aligner case with you and develop a routine that helps you keep track of it. Never leave your aligners on a napkin or plate (it’s too easy to accidentally throw them out that way!) Don’t forget to rinse with water before returning your aligners to your mouth.
Clean Aligners Carefully
Clean your aligners as recommended by Dr. Fleschler. Avoid using toothpaste on your aligners, as it can be abrasive and scratch the surface. Dr. Fleschler may recommend using a special Invisalign cleaning system, or simply a soft toothbrush and mild soap.
Stay Hydrated
In addition to keeping you hydrated, drinking lots of water helps wash away any food particles that can cause stains.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation in Houston, TX
As you celebrate the festive season, keep in mind the holiday foods that can stain your Invisalign trays and be extra cautious to protect your teeth.
If you have any questions or need personalized advice about Invisalign care, feel free to contact Heather F. Fleschler. Call us at 713-660-6500 to schedule your consultation today.
