A growing number of users of Invisalign are reporting an unexpected side effect: weight loss. Since reputable websites like Food Republic and other online publications are beginning to describe this phenomenon, we decided to explore the topic in this blog.
The primary goal of Invisalign remains drastic and predictable cosmetic results. The doctors of Docklands Dental Studio love seeing patients of all ages enjoy the benefits of an attractive smile. If users lose a few pounds along the way, all the better.
Docklands Dental Studio is conveniently located in the Victoria Harbour Precinct in Docklands, Melbourne. It is easy to get to us from Southbank via cars (through the city or M1 then Wurundjeri Way) or by foot (20-minute walk). Read on to learn more about what people are reporting about the relation between weight loss and Invisalign.
Are people really reporting weight loss from Invisalign?
While no one would say that the “Invisalign diet” is going to dethrone the Adkins or Paleo diet anytime soon, there are growing reports of testimonials from people who claim to have lost anywhere from a few pounds to several pounds or more while undergoing Invisalign treatment.
Author George Embiricos wrote in Food Republic that he initially began Invisalign treatments to address a gap between his front teeth. In his piece “The Invisalign Diet Is The Best Diet. Here’s Why,” Embiricos said that he lost around 15 pounds over the course of two months. What made the weight loss ideal was the fact that he didn’t experience increased appetite or cravings, which normally accompany fad diets.
One user on the community forum Reddit.com said that she had lost 25 pounds over the course of six months of using Invisalign. Other comments on the thread included:
- I’ve still lost weight just by being unable to quickly snack on my way out the door while running to pick up kids or snacking on my way home from the grocery store.
- I have definitely reduced my intake of unhealthy snacks!
- I’m down 10 pounds in five weeks. I was a big snacker at night while sitting and watching television. No more though since it’s such a pain to take the trays out. I can only hope to continue this snack-free-life after my treatment.
- I’ve lost about ten pounds in roughly eight months on Invisalign.
- I heard someone on YouTube call it the Invisalign Diet. Because you tend not to snack and graze as often as normal. But your normal meals are pretty much the same.
What Explains the Weight Loss?
The reasons behind the weight loss appear to be consistent, and many of the people who report losing weight know why. Once the aligners are in place, they fit incredibly snuggly. The SmartTrack material places a barrier between you and snacking.
If you work in an office environment, you understand the temptation of an open box of donuts or bagels. Snacks tend to be of the starchy and sugary kind, and those intermittent small meals can add up to hundreds of unwanted (and unaccounted for) calories.
Some people find removing Invisalign trays easier than others. While the aligner trays are removable, they require enough effort to remove that many people find it easier to leave them on in between meals. It is not possible to chew food while the trays are in place. Undergoing orthodontic treatment through Invisalign makes users more mindful about their eating habits.
To keep aligner trays clear and clean, users should brush their teeth, or at least rinse their mouths, after eating when possible. As some of the comments on Reddit suggest, going through the trouble of removing the trays and cleaning is simply more trouble than a single snack is worth.
Most of us do not miss snacks, and most snacks are unhealthy. Cutting back on snacking (especially with junk food) is widely considered to be a healthy decision. Invisalign facilitates healthy eating choices by making users more mindful of their eating habits.
When you do eat, you are more likely to consume a food or drink of your choice because you know that you are going to take the time to remove and place your trays while keeping your teeth and aligner tray clean and free of food debris.
Mindful Eating
As many users of Invisalign trays have found, being mindful of what you put into your body can have serious health benefits. Weight loss can lower your risk of developing chronic health conditions later in life. A low-calorie diet is also known to have a link with a longer lifespan. Conversely, snacking on junk food is bad for your teeth and your overall health.
Mindful eating is a technique that helps you make better eating decisions. Passive eating offers short-term comfort, often at the expense of your overall health. Individuals who practice mindful eating understand that what they put in their bodies affects their brain health, sense of wellbeing, and other important health and quality of life factors.
For some people, Invisalign treatments enhance their awareness of what they eat. You can further your exploration of mindful eating by:
- Not rushing your meals
- Not overeating
- Understanding your hunger triggers
- Enjoying the sights, smells, flavors, and textures of food
- Understanding the connection between diet and well-being
- Exploring the health benefits of nutritious foods
- Planning meals ahead of time
Healthy meals often lower your risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease. Many of the snacks that are cut out while using Invisalign are harmful to oral health. Sugary diets create an acidic environment in your mouth that can demineralize enamel and cause cavities.
Take Advantage of Invisalign to Focus on Your Health
Your Invisalign treatment will take anywhere from several months to a few years. Use that time to develop mindful eating habits. The more you can cut down on processed foods and sugar, the better. Nutritionists agree that a plant-based diet comes with many health benefits. Vegetables are nutritious and healthy for your teeth.
Invisalign offers no guarantee of weight loss, and neither do the doctors of Docklands Dental Studio. For some people, the treatment does offer the opportunity to reexamine one’s diet. Taking time to think before you eat is a good thing.
Schedule Your Invisalign Treatment Today
Invisalign offers many proven cosmetic and oral health benefits. Straight teeth are easier to clean, and an attractive smile can boost your self-esteem. As an alternative to metal braces, Invisalign is widely considered to be more comfortable. The clear trays are invisible, meaning that few people (if any) will be able to tell when you have the trays in.
Weight loss is not one of the stated benefits of undergoing Invisalign treatment, but many people have found that the trays make them more mindful of what they eat, and that is always a good thing. To schedule your Invisalign treatment, please contact our office online or call (03) 9021 9487.