Can You Eat with Invisalign: Our Top Tips

If you’ve heard about the eating restrictions needed for traditional braces, like not eating hard foods, you may be wondering can you eat with Invisalign? The answer is that you can eat and drink whatever you like, but your daily routine will change slightly.

Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontics by providing a discreet and convenient method for straightening teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable allowing you to eat and drink freely with no restrictions imposed by braces. Proper care and maintenance are still important to ensure your treatment’s success. Ask your dentist the difference between Invisalign vs braces. 

Here are some helpful tips for drinking and eating with Invisalign aligners.

Drinking and Eating With Invisalign

When considering what and when to eat and drink, it’s important to consider the Invisalign wear schedule. Invisalign recommends wearing your aligning trays for between 20 and 22 hours a day. This means that you only have time to remove them for eating meals and you may have to limit snacks.

Before eating or drinking anything other than water, your Invisalign aligners must be taken off. Food particles can get trapped between your aligners and teeth and lead to plaque buildup or tooth decay. Some foods and beverages may even stain or damage them!

Eating

Since your new Invisalign aligning trays are removable, you won’t have to remove foods from your diet. You’ll still be able to enjoy all your favorite breakfasts, lunches and dinners. However, you will need to remove your aligning trays before eating and insert them after you finish your meal.

For example, when you wake up in the morning, you’ll prepare your breakfast, sit down at your kitchen table, remove your Invisalign aligning trays, and put them in their case. Then, you’ll eat breakfast and drink whatever beverage you desire.

Following each meal, be sure to brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your aligners – this will prevent food particles from getting trapped and reduce the risk of bacterial growth – essential components of good oral health during an Invisalign treatment plan.

You never want to insert your aligning trays after eating without first brushing and flossing your teeth. If you do, you’ll end up coating your teeth in food particles and bacteria, which could increase your risk of developing tooth decay and cavities. It is crucial to know how to clean invisalign retainers.

We recommend limiting your snacking between meals since eating with Invisalign aligning trays in your mouth is not recommended. They are not designed to withstand the pressures of chewing, and you could stain your aligners and get food stuck between your teeth and gums and the aligning tray. Not to mention, if you eat three meals a day and leave your aligners out for about an hour for each meal, you’re already down to wearing your aligners 21 hours for the day. If you eat a lot of snacks during the day, you could reduce your wear schedule below the recommended minimum of 20 hours a day.

Drinking with Invisalign

The good news with Invisalign is that you can drink as much water as you want without having to remove your aligners. If you are drinking a different beverage other than water, it is recommended to remove your trays just as you would while eating. Finish your drink, and brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your aligners.

Keep in mind removing your aligners multiple times a day to drink sodas, coffee, juices, and energy drinks can reduce your daily wear below 20 hours, many individuals opt to drink water between meals and enjoy their favorite beverages while eating.

Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages

While Invisalign allows for most foods and beverages to be consumed, certain items can stain your aligners or cause discoloration of your teeth more easily than others. Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and tomato-based sauces have a reputation for staining teeth and aligners. Should you consume any of these, be sure to immediately brush and rinse your aligners to minimize staining.

Reduce Sugary and Acidic Foods

Sugary, acidic foods and beverages can erode tooth enamel and increase your risk of cavities. It’s wise to consume these in moderation. When wearing Invisalign, these substances can seep into the aligners and foster bacteria growth. It is always best to limit soda, sports drinks, candy, and citrus fruits to safeguard both your teeth and aligners from damage.

Temperatures

Invisalign aligners are composed of thermoplastic material that may warp under extreme temperatures. Avoid eating or drinking extremely hot or cold foods and beverages while wearing your aligners. This will help prevent damage to their material. 

Stay Hydrated

Water is the optimal beverage choice when it comes to oral health and Invisalign treatment. It provides essential hydration benefits while helping eliminate food debris and bacteria from your mouth and aligners. Always carry a bottle with you wherever you go.

Finally, be sure to follow your dentist or orthodontist’s instructions regarding wearing your Invisalign aligners. Your dentist can offer specific guidance based on your treatment plan and oral health needs. If any issues arise or if you require assistance don’t hesitate to reach out for help from them directly.

Invisalign Aligners from Our Dentist Office in Matthews

By following these essential tips for drinking and eating with Invisalign, you can ensure good oral hygiene and preserve your aligners. With proper care and diligence, you’ll soon be on your way to having a healthier smile in no time at all.

Our team at Matthews Family Dentistry can evaluate your teeth, jaw, and gums to determine if Invisalign would be right for you. If you are a good candidate for Invisalign aligners, 3D images of your teeth will be taken and all your information will be sent to the laboratory so that your clear aligning trays can be made. Once they arrive, our dentist will explain your personalized wear schedule, as well as provide specifics about eating and drinking while undergoing the Invisalign teeth straightening process.

If wonder “Can you eat with Invisalign”, our dentists are happy to answer your questions. Schedule a consultation with us today to see if Invisalign would be right for you.