Invisalign is an alternative to wires and other traditional methods designed to straighten teeth. Patients opt for Invisalign to avoid the hassle of bands, wires, and mouth irritation so that they can achieve a beautiful smile in a simpler, less noticeable way. Believe it or not, many patients with Invisalign have noticed that they have lost weight while wearing the plastic aligners.
Weight loss is one of the most unexpected side effects of Invisalign. Although Invisalign patients can take out their aligners to eat or brush their teeth, they must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. As a result of these requirements, many patients report that they are less inclined to snack on unhealthy foods throughout the day. They prefer to only eat three times a day and are more selective about the types of foods they choose to consume.
Additionally, orthodontists suggest that Miami Invisalign patients reduce their intake of alcohol and soda while wearing the aligners. This recommendation has prompted those with Invisalign to drink more water and less sugary, highly caloric beverages. Rapid weight loss has been correlated with a reduction in unhealthy drinks and is another reasons Invisalign patients may lose weight.
In addition to a beautiful, healthy smile, Invisalign can encourage patients to practice healthy eating habits, drink water rather than soda, and lose weight. While wearing Invisalign aligners, many patients have reported that they have lost anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds. Our Invisalign, Richmond VA friends, River Run Dental, have stated that many of their patients have lost weight with Invisalign.
Food and Drink to Avoid During Invisalign Treatment
There are certain foods we recommend that patients stay away from while they are undergoing Invisalign treatment. By avoiding these foods and drinks, they may be able to lose weight. These include:
Hard Foods
Foods like hard breads, raw carrots, and jawbreakers should be avoided as much as possible. Even if you eat them when your aligners are not in your mouth, they are so hard that they can push your teeth and damage them during treatment. You should also refrain from hard candies that you can suck on as their residue can prompt plaque. If you do want to eat hard foods that are healthy like fruits and veggies, we suggest you cut them up into bite size pieces. Of course, softer options like bananas and berries are idea.
Sticky Foods
If you chew sugary gum on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to stop if you have Invisalign. Gum as well as other sticky foods like caramel and jelly beans can pull and tug at your aligners and break or damage them. While you can remove your aligners if you’re dying to eat one of these sticky foods, most people eat these foods while their aligners are in their mouth since they don’t consider them actual meals and pop them in spontaneously. You may put them in your mouth without even thinking about removing your aligners.
Certain Drinks
In addition to avoiding certain foods, we suggest you stay away from drinks like tea, coffee, and wine. Why? Because these drinks can darken your aligners and make your teeth appear discolored. You should also away from soda as it’s full of sugar and can be bad for your oral health and general health. Although it’s okay to drink these beverages every once in a while, we don’t suggest them on a regular basis.
Visit Dr. Derek Sanders at Orthodontics Only
If you’re interested in achieving a healthy smile and possibly losing weight at the same time, visit Orthodontics Only today. Dr. Derek Sanders and his team have the knowledge and resources necessary to straighten your teeth and improve your confidence in an easy, convenient way. In 2018 and heading into 2019, Invisalign continues to gain in popularity. Fortunately, Dr. Sanders has completed hundreds of successful treatments so you will be in good hands.