How to Eat Comfortably at Restaurants With Invisalign
A course of Invisalign brings many rewards for you and your teeth. But it also brings many challenges, one of which involves eating out at restaurants. Although you can remove your aligners whenever you need to, doing so without drawing attention is difficult. Therefore, you need to prepare beforehand if you enjoy eating out at restaurants sometimes.
If you plan to eat out often while wearing your Invisalign aligners, prepare yourself in the following ways.
Keep Your Invisalign Storage Case Closed
Invisalign aligners are fragile. They stain easily when exposed to foods with strong colourings like curry and pasta, and they suffer when left out in the sunlight. This is why dentists advise that you take your aligners out when you eat or drink. But for this reason, you need to form the habit of keeping your aligner storage case on you wherever you go.
If you wrap your aligner in tissue or put it in your pocket, you could lose or damage it accidentally. Get into the habit of taking your aligner out and placing it straight into the storage case where it will be safe from sunlight, germs and prying eyes.
Take Your Invisalign Aligner out in the Toilet
Don't take your aligner out at the dinner table. It isn't always easy to remove an aligner. You need to apply some force to remove an aligner. And your aligner will probably have some saliva clinging to it. Avoid embarrassing situations by removing your aligner in the toilet or bathroom. You'll also be able to clean your aligner in the bathroom.
Keep a Glass of Water Handy at All Times
While you eat, always keep a glass of water at hand. This will allow you to rinse your mouth from time to time. This is especially useful if you are in a hurry because you might not have time to brush or floss after your meal. But a few rinses with water will ensure that you clean much of the food and staining molecules from your teeth before you replace your aligner.
Try to Plan Your Menu in Advance
If possible, phone ahead and choose your dish before you arrive at the restaurant, especially if you are going to an Indian or Thai restaurant, which tends to have foods with strong colours that could stain your teeth and aligner. Choose foods that won't leave colour on your teeth. If you put your aligner back in while your teeth are stained, your aligner will become stained too.
For more information about Invisalign, talk to your dentist.