Can you eat with Invisalign braces on? We’ve got the answer, and it might not be what you expected.
Invisalign treatment is one of the most popular options on the market when it comes to obtaining straight teeth and that beautiful smile, but a lot of people wonder what are the food limitations and if eating and drinking allowed during the treatment.
If you are wondering the same thing keep on reading because we have all the details in one place. This way you can be completely confident that you are following all the guidelines and that your results will be perfect.
Can you eat while wearing Invisalign?
No, eating with Invisalign is not allowed for various reasons.
Invisalign aligners are designed to fit snuggly around your teeth and apply gentle pressure to move them in the right place. This means that there is not a lot of room between your teeth and the invisible aligners.
Eating with the aligners still in your mouth can cause food to get stuck and buildup in different places. This on the other hand will not only stain the braces that are meant to be practically invisible but also cause tooth decay.
What should you avoid eating during the treatment?
Here are some of the foods to avoid to maintain the optimal health of your teeth:
- Sugary foods
- Hard foods
- Crunchy foods
They will not only damage your braces but also cause bacteria to stick to your enamel, gums, and tongue making you more likely to develop oral health problems.
Can you snack during the Invisalign treatment?
No, snacking and even chewing gum is not allowed during this orthodontic treatment. Any food can cause damage to the aligners and food stuck can make serious problems with your enamel and gums.
What can you eat?
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign wearers can eat and drink everything once the aligners are removed. So, as long as you are removing your Invisalign trays you can enjoy all your favorite foods without worry.
Keep in mind that this orthodontic treatment demands dedication and you need to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours each day. This means the mealtime should be planned carefully and you need to brush your teeth after each meal.
What happens if you eat with Invisalign?
Eating with Invisalign is not a good idea because the treatment plan can be compromised. When people eat or even chew gum with their aligners still in they risk staining and tooth decay. In addition, the plastic can be damaged and cause pressure on the wrong parts of your teeth.
In case you have forgotten you have the aligners in your mouth and you start to eat stop immediately and rinse out your tray.
When you are done eating you need to clean your teeth so remember to carry a small oral hygiene kit where ever you go.
Drinking with Invisalign clear aligners
You can only drink water with the aligners in your mouth. This means you need to steer clear of all other drinks like coffee, alcohol, and even juice. All the drinks contain sugar that can cause bacteria build-up and bad breath.
In addition, most drinks like coffee, tea, and wine will stain your aligners making them more noticeable. Apart from damaging your look hot beverages can warp the plastic and make the Invisalign results worse.
The good news is that unlike conventional braces clear aligners are removable and you can have all the food and drinks you want. If you carefully plan your day and clean your teeth after each drink or meal you can be sure that the result will be the healthy and straight smile you deserve.
Can you have sparkling water with Invisalign?
It’s not recommended to drink sparkling water with Invisalign because it might contain sugar and dyes. This liquid can get stuck between your teeth and the aligners causing bacteria buildup and staining.
So, before you begin drinking anything besides water remove your aligners.
How to maintain your Invisalign aligners?
Eating or drinking with your aligners is not recommended but the good news is that you can remove them whenever you want. This is one of the biggest advantages this orthodontic treatment has over metal braces.
Many patients get used to the daily wear of the clear aligners and make a schedule for every meal and drink. This can take a few days, but if you are a good candidate for the procedure it will be an easy task.
Once you begin with the treatment your doctor will explain how to maintain your oral health and your Invisalign trays for the best results. This will include brushing and flossing your teeth after eating or drinking.
In addition, you need to rinse out your aligners or gently brush them with your toothbrush. Keep in mind that Invisalign is made from high-quality plastic and you need to use just lukewarm water to rinse the aligners.
Final Thoughts
So, to recap eating and drinking with Invisalign is not recommended and you need to stay away from hot drinks and even that pizza crust as long as you have your aligners in.
Invisalign treatment is so comfortable and almost invisible that a lot of people forget that they even have the braces in. But this is not a good excuse for drinking with Invisalign or having any kind of snack.
For the best results follow the instructions provided and avoid eating with your aligners. This will save your teeth and the trays from any damage and give you a healthy, radiant smile.