If you are considering invisalign trays, you may be worried that they are too restrictive. However, you will be happy to know that you can continue to eat and drink all of the things you currently eat and drink, but you may become more aware of your current habits. This can potentially lead to some positive side effects. 

Weight Reduction 

When you begin wearing invisalign trays, you will be instructed on how to use them. This includes leaving them in for as much time as possible each day (recommended 20-22 hours per day) but taking them out each time you eat a meal or have a snack. After you have a snack, you will have to rinse out your mouth and brush and floss your teeth before inserting the tray again to prevent tooth decay. This process can make you more aware of your eating choices. You may find that you just are not as interested in a mid-morning candy bar if it means you will also have to take the time out to brush your teeth. 

If you have been trying to lose weight, this extra awareness of when you are eat can help you kick-start your diet and make your weight loss program more effective. However, if you are rapidly losing weight, you should talk to your dentist about healthy eating choices while wearing invisalign trays. 

A Higher Awareness of Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption

Similar to eating, you will need to be aware of what you drink while you have your trays in. Coffee and wine can stain your trays. While stained trays are still functional, they may not look pleasant, so you will likely want to limit or avoid drinking coffee or wine. Additionally, the high sugar content of alcohol means that you will promptly have to remove your trays, clean them, and brush your teeth after consuming alcohol to prevent tooth decay. You may find creative ways around this, such as drinking coffee or alcohol with a straw, but in general, you may be more aware of your choices regarding alcohol and caffeine. 

This can make your invisalign treatment a perfect reason to stop or reduce your caffeine or alcohol consumption, if this is something you have been interested in. 

An Easier Time Quitting Smoking 

It is possible for your trays to become stained from smoking, so most dentists will recommend that you refrain from smoking while your trays are in. However, with a diligent cleaning method, you may experience minimal staining even if you smoke with your retainers. But just like with food and drink, you will also experience a greater awareness of how often and how much you are smoking. This can give you the motivation to quit smoking if you have been trying to or the awareness to help you cut back on your smoking if you simply want to reduce the amount that you smoke. 

A More Stable Energy Level Throughout the Day 

The above habits that invisalign helps you recognize and possibly reduce are all things that can contribute to unstable energy levels throughout the day. For example, frequently fluctuating blood sugar levels that can be caused by eating sugary snacks throughout the day can cause you to experience a crash in your energy and difficulty sleeping. Similar crashes in mood and energy may be experienced when you consume caffeine or nicotine regularly. 

Improved Oral Hygiene 

These potential side effects are largely due to one thing: an increased awareness of your oral hygiene. Because you will have to brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth several times a day, you may notice that you develop stronger oral hygiene habits that stick with you even after you stop wearing the invisalign trays. However, if you have poor oral hygiene to begin with, you should be aware of the risks of continuing your current habits while wearing invisalign trays, which include tooth decay and gum disease. 

For more information about the benefits of using Invisalign, contact an experienced dentist.