Invisalign® and Weight Loss: The Surprising Connection

When people talk about Invisalign® dental aligners, they often think about teeth alignment and the brilliant smile achieved at the end of the treatment. But a frequently asked question arises: can these aligners also promote weight loss? This article explores the surprising link between modern orthodontics and your overall health.

Do Invisalign® Aligners Contribute to Weight Loss?

Scientifically, no. But anecdotally, it's possible!

Although there is no scientific evidence demonstrating a direct link between wearing dental aligners and weight loss, many patients report losing a few pounds during their Invisalign® treatment.

Why? Reduced snacking, increased food awareness, dental discomfort... Let's explore the reasons that might explain this weight loss among Invisalign® patients.

Invisalign® and Weight Loss: Reduction in Snacking?

The reduction, or even complete elimination, of snacking between meals is one of the main explanations offered by former Invisalign® patients.

Many people snack regularly throughout the day, which can lead to long-term weight gain if these snacks are not controlled.

But with Invisalign®, you quickly realize that snacking has to stop! Why? Because you have to remove the aligners to eat. Imagine having to take them out 5 to 6 times a day if you're used to snacking whenever you want, knowing that it's recommended to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day.

"Do I really want to go to the office restroom to take out my aligners just for a cookie?"

This decrease in snacking can reduce your caloric intake, improve your eating schedule, and possibly lead to weight loss if you had a habit of snacking frequently.

Be careful, stopping snacking does not guarantee weight loss. It is essential to adopt a healthy and balanced diet to stay healthy.

Losing Weight with Invisalign®: Becoming More Mindful of Your Food

Wearing dental aligners can also be a wake-up call for some patients.

Some lack the motivation to remove their aligners multiple times a day. Others become more aware of the importance of meals and change their eating habits.

The Invisalign® treatment can make you rethink your diet: do you want to eat the same dishes, the same quantities, drink alcohol on weekends?

Thanks to Invisalign®, many adopt a new eating routine:

• Limiting snacks and caloric intake to eat better during main meals.
• Avoiding sodas and alcohol (strongly discouraged with aligners).
• Making better food choices and becoming aware of the importance of a healthy diet.
• Adopting a new diet during and after the treatment.

These practices do not guarantee immediate weight loss but can contribute to better health and possibly weight loss if you had poor pre-existing habits.

Discomfort During Aligner Changes

The discomfort experienced during aligner changes could also explain potential weight loss.

When changing aligners (every week or every 10 days), your mouth and teeth must adapt to the new trays, which can cause some tooth soreness.

What does this have to do with weight loss? This discomfort can lead to 2 reactions:

• A loss of appetite for the first few days after changing aligners, which could lead to losing a few pounds.
• More careful chewing due to the soreness, promoting better nutrient absorption and a quicker feeling of fullness, which can help reduce overeating.

Reviews from Former Invisalign® Patients on Weight Loss

"From the beginning, I realized the impact Invisalign® would have on my eating routine. As an active person, I was used to many meals and snacks throughout the day. I had to change everything! Fortunately, I maintained my weight by adapting my 3 daily meals to keep a good diet."

"It was tough at first! Used to candies and treats, I had to completely change my eating rhythm. I lost almost 5 pounds in the first month, then I stabilized by gradually adapting to my new diet. It made me more aware of what I was eating."

"At first, it's hard to manage, especially socially. No more coffee breaks with colleagues or offered pastries. It was tough the first few weeks, then you get used to it, with a few slip-ups from time to time."

Be careful, Invisalign® should never be a pretext for losing weight. This potential loss is just a side effect of the aligners.

It is essential to maintain a healthy diet throughout the treatment and to engage in regular physical activity.