Can You Eat With Invisalign? 7 Guidelines To Follow

Basic Guidelines On How To Eat & Drink When You Have Invisalign

Invisalign is a very popular method of teeth straightening, and with good reason! Made with custom clear aligners that are worn for 22-23 hours a day and then replaced every several weeks, Invisalign offers an easy and effective way to straighten crooked teeth without the hassle of braces and other corrective methods.

One of the most popular questions patients ask their Gilbert dentist office is whether they can eat while wearing their Invisalign aligners. Let’s take a look at some basic guidelines on how to eat and drink when you have Invisalign.

Can I Eat While Wearing My Invisalign Aligners?

When compared to braces, one of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that you can eat and drink whatever you want because you can simply take the aligners out of your mouth during meals. There’s no need to worry about lettuce getting stuck in your wires or popcorn breaking off any brackets. However, your Gilbert dentist still recommends careful eating habits while you wear your Invisalign aligners. This is because bad dietary habits can promote tooth decay or make your teeth move more slowly, making the aligners take longer to work effectively.

7 Guidelines for Eating & Drinking with Invisalign

1. Always Remove Aligners Before Eating

It’s always recommended to remove your aligners before you eat, whether it’s just a snack or a full meal, because they are not intended to be strong enough to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing. Even minor damage to your aligners could extend your treatment period and require you to purchase a new set of aligners.

2. Only Drink Water While Wearing Your Aligners

As much as possible, drink only water while you’re wearing your aligners. Drinks that contain coloring can permanently stain your teeth and/or your aligners. If you want to drink something other than water, your Gilbert dental clinic recommends removing your aligners.

3. Avoid Temptation

It’s easy to be tempted to take sips of something other than water, or to eat a quick snack while you’re wearing your Invisalign aligners. Don’t give in! Any amount of food or drink can stain or damage your aligners.

4. Keep up with Brushing & Flossing

Your Invisalign aligners are custom made to fit your teeth, so any food or bacteria that is left on your aligners will be pressed up against your teeth and gums for hours, leaving them especially vulnerable to tooth decay. Be sure to follow all instructions from your Gilbert dental office on how to keep your aligners clean, and follow a daily brushing and flossing schedule for optimal oral health.

5. Set a Consistent Cleaning Schedule

The easiest way to remember to clean your aligners is to set a routine so that proper care becomes an easy habit. Some patients find it helpful to set an alarm on their phone or to find a consistent time of day, such as right before bed and immediately upon awaking, to clean their aligners, brush their teeth, and floss.

6. Stop Chewing Gum

Avoid chewing gum, bubble gum, and sticky or chewy candy while you’re wearing your aligners. They can stick to your aligners and cause damage.

7. Limit Coffee & Tea

This may seem disappointing, but it’s best to avoid drinking coffee while wearing your aligners. Since Invisalign aligners are clear, they are prone to becoming discolored from coffee and teas. If you need caffeine to get going in the morning, remove your aligners for a short time while you enjoy your cup of java. Be sure to brush your teeth before you put them back in!

What Types Of Foods Should I Avoid With Invisalign?

Because you should always remove your Invisalign aligners when you eat, your diet is much less limited than it would be with a more permanent fixture, such as braces. However, it’s still smart to be careful with your diet. Ice cream, soft drinks, candy, and other foods that feed bacteria in the mouth can cause tooth decay if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene habits. Always avoid chewing gum, eating crunchy snacks, and drinking colored drinks – including coffee and tea – while wearing your aligners. Your Gilbert dentist recommends drinking only water while your aligners are in your mouth.

Your Invisalign aligners should be worn for 22-23 hours a day, so you’ll have time to take them out while you enjoy your meals, snacks, coffee, and other drinks. It’s ideal to brush your teeth after each meal before you put your aligners back into your mouth. If you have any questions or concerns about eating while wearing Invisalign aligners, contact your Gilbert dentist office.

Get Invisalign At Your Gilbert Dental Office

If you want to straighten your teeth and are wondering whether you might be a good candidate for Invisalign treatments, schedule your appointment with Dr. Rita Peck at Gilbert Vista Dental Care. Dr. Peck is known for her friendly, personalized care of all of her patients and will take time to get to know you, understand your goals, and help you choose the right treatment path. Whether you need a basic cleaning, orthodontic care, or restorative dentistry, Dr. Peck is ready to serve you! Give Gilbert Vista Dental Care a call today to schedule your appointment.

Gilbert Vista Dental Care
2451 East Baseline Road #210
Gilbert, AZ 85234
Phone: (480) 503-5467
Email: info@drritapeck.com
Website: https://drritapeck.com/