What can t you eat with invisalign?

Overview 

Invisalign is now among the fastest-growing, most well liked alternatives to traditional braces for those who want their teeth straightened without the hassle and look of metal braces. They are clear, removable, and unobtrusive. But if you are new to Invisalign, perhaps the most frequent question you will find yourself asking is “What can’t you eat with Invisalign?”

The response might shock you since although Invisalign does offer greater flexibility compared to metal braces, there are certain eating and drinking guidelines you have to adhere to in order to safeguard your aligners as well as your teeth. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will outline all that you will need to know.

Can You Eat with Invisalign In?

The most obvious golden rule of Invisalign is the one which says that you should not eat with aligners in your mouth. In the Invisalign tray, unlike conventional braces, one should not place the power of chewing. Having them eat with us can:

• Crack or bend the aligners.
• Trap food particles and bacteria.
• Cause staining or discoloration.
• Reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

Plain cold water is the only thing that you can drink Invisalign in your mouth safely. In all other cases, you must take out the aligners.

What Foods Can’t You Eat with Invisalign On?

So, to go into somewhat more detail, here are more particular examples of foods and beverages that you need to avoid when aligners are fitted.

1. Hard and Crunchy Foods

• Popcorn, chips, nuts, and pretzels.
• Raw carrots, apples, or hard bread crusts.

The aligners are strained by hard foods hence causing either cracks or warping. Although they do not break, they can still scratch the surface of the aligner causing the aligner to be more noticeable.

2. Sticky and Chewy Foods

• Gum, caramel, gummy bears, and toffee.
• Chewy bagels, pizza crust, or candy bars.

These foods stick to the surface of the aligner, it is almost impossible to clean them thoroughly. Sticky foods also add an excessive amount of sugar to the smile, which can produce cavities.

3. Hot Drinks and Foods

• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or soup.
• Any beverage warmer than room temperature.

Invisalign trays are softened by heat which warps them and loses shape. A warped aligner does not fit your teeth properly anymore and can cause a slowdown in treatment.

4. Sugary and Acidic Drinks

• Soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks.
• Fruit juice, lemonade, or sweetened iced tea.

These drinks can permeate between the aligner and your teeth and leave the sugar bonded against the enamel. This, with the passage of time, will result in staining, bad breath, and tooth decay.

5. Alcoholic Beverages

• Red wine, dark beer, or cocktails with coloring.
• Mixed drinks with sugar or citrus.

Alcohol may discolour aligners and raise the chances of bacterial build up. Tooth enamel becomes weakened as well through acidic mixers.

What About Snacking with Invisalign?

With Invisalign, eating will pose a bit of a challenge since you have to take out your aligners each time you eat, brush your teeth, and rinse your trays. Snacking inbetween will result in more interruptions and more possibilities of plaque formation.

Tip: Stick to set mealtimes instead of constant snacking. This helps keep your aligners in for the recommended 20–22 hours per day.

Can You Drink Anything Besides Water with Invisalign?

No. Plain water is the only beverage that you should take with aligners. Even flavored or sparkling water can leave stains, or erode the aligners once containing acids or coloring.

In case you need coffee, soda or alcohol, take your aligners out first. Then rinse the mouth or brush the teeth and re-insert them.

What Can You Eat After Removing Invisalign?

The positive news here is that with aligners, you are allowed to eat what you want as long as they are out. One difference compared to the conventional braces is that it does not involve any restrictions on popcorn, candy or gooey treats. All you have to do is:

1. Remove aligners before eating.
2. Brush or rinse your mouth afterward.
3. Clean aligners before wearing them again.

This freedom is one of Invisalign’s biggest advantages compared to braces.

Smart Eating Habits with Invisalign

To make your Invisalign journey smoother, follow these eating tips:

1. Travelling Kit 

Start by carrying a travelling kit to help you store all your clothes, and other items which are useful on trips. Our travelling kit is available where everything is neatly packed to keep your clothes and other valuables.

Carry your toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you when you are out. This contributes to easy brushing of the teeth after meals.

2. Wash when You are unable to Brush

In case you cannot brush immediately, wash your mouth with water and then replace aligners.

3. Limit Snacks

You should always give your teeth a cleaning after a snack, thus limiting this activity saves time and makes the retention of aligners longer.

4. Safe store Aligners

Never forget to put the Invisalign case when eating. You should not wrap them in a napkin as they might be lost, or be discarded unintentionally.

Common Mistakes People Make with Invisalign and Eating

Many patients accidentally damage their aligners by making these mistakes:

• Chewing gum with aligners in: gum sticks instantly.
• Drinking hot coffee or tea: even one cup can warp trays.
• Eating soft foods with aligners in: even bananas or bread leave residue that bacteria thrive on.
• Sipping soda while wearing aligners: sugar gets trapped under trays, leading to cavities.

Avoiding these mistakes will keep your Invisalign journey on track.

FAQs

Is it OK to chew gum with Invisalign?

No. The aligners will be glued by gum and can be damaged. Whilst chewing gum, always take off the aligners.

Can I consume Invisalign with iced coffee?

No. Also, aligners can be stained by such things like even iced coffee. Whenever you take them out, brush and then put them back.

Do I wear the Invisalign to eat mints or suck candy?

No. Also sucking candy causes sugar to drip between your teeth and the aligners.

What should I do in case I forget to take Invisalign out to eat?

Making one error would not ruin your treatment, but the particle of food can start scratches or stain aligners. Wash them off and do not repeat.

Final Thoughts

And now what can you not eat with Invisalign? The logic is simple, when wearing aligners; avoid food or drinks other than plain water. It is important to avoid food and drinks that are hard, sticky, hot and contain sugar with the aligners in place to make them clean, sufficient and functional. The most important thing is that you will be able to continue to eat all your favorite foods-you just need to take out your aligners, clean your teeth and then put them back in a really smoothly and consistently.