“Can you eat with Invisalign on?” It’s a common question many orthodontists receive when working with new Invisalign patients.
Invisalign aligners are an excellent option for those looking to boost their confidence and enjoy the benefits of straighter teeth – all without wearing traditional metal braces.
While Invisalign can help you get the straighter smile you want, monitoring what you eat and drink when wearing your Invisalign aligners is essential to getting results. We know it can be tempting to eat with your aligners in, and you might think that one quick snack couldn’t hurt anything. However, not following Invisalign food restrictions could cause severe damage to your teeth and to your aligners.
If you have questions about what to eat (and not eat!) with Invisalign trays in, then read on!
In this article, we’ll break down many of the common questions regarding Invisalign and eating, including:
- Can you eat with your Invisalign in?
- Do you take out Invisalign to eat?
- Can you eat with clear aligners?
- What can’t you do with Invisalign?
- What happens if you eat with Invisalign in?
Let this article be your guide to the do’s and don’t s of eating with Invisalign.
Eating With Invisalign: Why It’s Important To Monitor What You Eat
Invisalign aligners are made from thin, clear plastic that’s virtually invisible. When used as directed, Invisalign aligners move the teeth into proper alignment gradually. The aligners rest flush against the teeth, making them comfortable and convenient enough to wear all day long.
However, for the best results for your smile and oral health, you’ll need to care for your aligners and your teeth throughout the process. Watching what you eat and drink while wearing your Invisalign aligners is critical.
If your aligners get damaged, your teeth can slowly slip back into their original positions, leaving you stuck in an endless cycle of treatment, and delaying the results you desire.
To enjoy the convenience and benefits that Invisalign offers, you must monitor what you eat and drink when wearing your aligners.
The Dos And Don’ts Of Eating With Invisalign Aligners
New patients often ask, “Can you eat with clear aligners?”
The most straightforward answer is, no. While they’re built to last, you should closely follow the Invisalign food restrictions to keep the trays in good condition for as long as possible.
So, what are the Invisalign food restrictions?
Below is a quick breakdown of what you should know about eating with Invisalign aligners.
The Dos:
Here’s what you should always do while undergoing Invisalign treatment:
- Remove aligners before eating: Due to their thin and flexible design, Invisalign cannot tolerate the pressure and friction of chewing food. You should always remove your aligners and store them in a safe place during meals or snacks. Even soft foods may bend or scratch your aligners, negatively impacting the timeline for your treatment.
- Brush after every meal: Be sure to brush each tooth before replacing your Invisalign aligners to avoid plaque buildup and cavities. Leftover food that sits on the trays can also affect the durability of the aligners.
- Floss daily: It’s important that you floss daily in general, but especially when wearing your Invisalign aligners. Leftover food between your teeth leads to a higher concentration of unwanted bacteria in your mouth. The last thing you want is your Invisalign trapping that bacteria on your teeth the entire day and night.
By following these recommendations, you’ll ensure healthy teeth and a straighter smile by the end of your treatment.
The Don’ts:
Though you should always try to avoid eating with Invisalign, these foods and beverages are definite no’s!
When wearing Invisalign, don’t:
- Eat sticky or crunchy foods: While all foods are problematic while aligners are in, sticky foods can cause issues even when your aligners are out. Foods like caramel, taffy, or chewy candy should be avoided, as they can stick to your teeth and damage your Invisalign aligners.
- Drink sugary beverages: You should definitely avoid drinking soda and other sugary beverages when wearing your Invisalign trays. The sugar sits on the teeth and can eventually damage not only your aligners but also your teeth. Additionally, drinking a colored beverage with your trays in can stain your aligners permanently, making them more noticeable.
- Eat food that is too hot or cold: When you wear your Invisalign aligners, it’s best to avoid eating hot or cold foods like hot coffee or cold ice cream. Extreme temperatures can damage the aligner plastic.
Taking care to avoid these foods and situations will keep your treatment running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Now that you know about some of the general do’s and don’ts of wearing Invisalign, let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions.
Here are five of the most common question regarding eating with Invisalign.
Are There Any Invisalign Food Restrictions?
As mentioned above, there are some basic, simple rules when it comes to your successful Invisalign treatment and food.
Some of the most common restrictions include:
- No crunchy or sticky foods such as caramel, taffy, chewy candy
- No sugary drinks while wearing your Invisalign trays
- No hot or cold food (extreme temperatures) that will damage the plastic of your aligners
- No drinks or food that could stain your aligners
Ultimately, it’s really only recommended to regular water with your trays in.
Can You Eat With Invisalign On?
Technically, you physically can eat with Invisalign trays in. However, as we’ve stated throughout this article, it’s highly suggested not to do so.
Chewing forces place unnecessary stress on your aligners and cause them to break. And as we mentioned a little earlier in the article, damaging a tray can lead to a longer treatment and extra expenses.
Do You Take Out Invisalign Trays to Eat?
Orthodontists recommend taking your Invisalign aligners out when you eat, especially when eating or drinking anything that can stain or damage your aligners. Your orthodontist will give you a guide on how to best care for your new aligners.
Just remember to brush and floss your teeth to get rid of any leftover food particles before putting them back in!
What Happens If You Eat With Invisalign In?
If you decide to eat with your Invisalign aligners in, it’s possible that the clear aligners can get bent, warped, stained, or damaged.
Even the smallest change in the form of your Invisalign aligners can have major consequences, so follow the instructions above very carefully.
The major consequences of a damaged tray include:
- Spending extra money to get a new tray
- Longer treatment time as you wait for a new tray
If you want to ensure that your treatment is as short as possible, it’s best to avoid eating and drinking while wearing your Invisalign trays.
What Can’t You Do With Invisalign?
Because your Invisalign aligners are clear, flexible plastic trays, they damage easily when eating items such as hard candy or crunchy chips. You’ll always want to remove your aligners before eating these types of foods.
It’s important to use good judgment, so you can best care for your aligners. Avoid any food that is difficult to chew and avoid drinks that are high in acidic or sugar content.
I know we’ve said it multiple times throughout this article, but it’s always best to take your trays out anytime you eat or drink. Once you finish eating, rinse your mouth with water (or brush your teeth, if possible) and put your trays back in your mouth.
Start Your Invisalign Journey With Bates Orthodontics
Opting for Invisalign allows for a convenient, comfortable experience. However, if you don’t care for your aligners properly, you may never achieve your desired smile.
When it comes time to start your Invisalign treatment, you may have questions, like:
- Can you eat with your Invisalign in?
- Do you take out Invisalign to eat?
- Can you eat with clear aligners?
- What can’t you do with Invisalign?
- What happens if you eat with Invisalign in?
Your orthodontist should provide you with guidelines regarding “what can’t you do with Invisalign” and you can always talk with them if you have additional questions.
Have you been wondering if Invisalign is right for you?
At Bates Orthodontics, we know Invisalign and straight teeth. As a Diamond Invisalign Provider, we’re in the top 1% of all Invisalign providers nationwide. Whether you’re a teen, college student, or adult, our team of trained and experienced orthodontists will walk you through all the possible paths to your perfect smile.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about our Invisalign process. We’ll work with your budget to determine the most affordable way for you to get the smile of your dreams.
