Whether you’re thinking about getting Invisalign treatment or are already on your Invisalign journey, you may be wondering if you can eat with your aligners in. Invisalign clear aligners are a popular choice for people wanting to transform their smile, particularly due to the convenience of Invisalign aligners is one of their best features.
When it comes to eating with Invisalign you will need to follow specific instructions to ensure your treatment stays on track and your aligners remain in good condition. Find out more about eating with Invisalign, including the importance of removing your aligners before eating and caring for them afterward.
Always make sure to:
- Remove your aligners before eating
- Rinse and clean your aligners thoroughly before putting them back in
- Keep your aligners safely stored in their protective case when you take them out
It’s important that you don’t eat or drink anything other than water with your aligners in as it can damage and stain your aligners.
The Importance of Removing Invisalign Before Eating
Removing your Invisalign aligners before eating and drinking is so important as it will help prevent damage to your aligners. Chewing food with your aligners in can cause them to crack or bend out of shape. Eating with your aligners can also cause food to get caught in the aligners, leading to odours and staining.
To ensure your Invisalign treatment progresses as planned you need to follow the instructions from your Invisalign dentist or specialist. Eating with your aligners in can interfere with your treatment plan.
What to Eat and Drink While Wearing Invisalign
Taking care of your teeth is even more important while wearing Invisalign. Fortunately, Invisalign doesn’t interfere with your lifestyle, and you can still enjoy the food and drink you love.
The best options to eat with Invisalign are soft foods like yogurt, soups, and mashed potatoes but remember to remove your aligners before eating. Cold drinks such as water or iced tea are the best drink options as they aren’t sugary or acidic.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid With Invisalign
Unlike Braces there are not many restrictions on what you need to avoid eating and drinking while you’re having Invisalign treatment.
We recommend avoiding sticky or hard foods while having Invisalign treatment to avoid damage and avoid food getting caught in your aligners. We also recommend avoiding overly sugary and acidic drinks to ensure you maintain good oral health and reduce the need for further dental treatment, such as a filling.
Always remove your aligners when eating and drinking, especially with hot drinks as these can distort the plastic of your aligners.
How to Care for Your Aligners During Meals
Taking proper care of your Invisalign aligners during meals is essential for maintaining good hygiene and ensuring the success of your treatment.
Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
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Always carry your Invisalign case and make sure to store your aligners in their case when not in use.
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Clean and rinse them after every meal, using warm water, a soft toothbrush and a very small amount of toothpaste.
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Brush your teeth correctly twice per day and floss once daily to maintain optimum oral health.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Do’s and Don’ts?
If you don’t follow the correct guidelines for eating with Invisalign it could delay your treatment, taking longer to achieve the desired outcome. Not following the instructions set by your Invisalign dentist could also lead to oral health problems and cause damage to your aligners.
How to Make Eating with Invisalign Easier
We know managing meals with Invisalign can sound a bit challenging but once you have a good routine in place you’ll find eating and drinking with Invisalign simple.
Here’s some quick steps to follow:
- Keep your protective case with you on the go so you can store your Invisalign aligners safely
- Brush your teeth and floss regularly and correctly
- Clean your aligners regularly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat with Invisalign in?
No, you shouldn’t eat with Invisalign aligners in. Always remove them before meals to prevent damage and stains.
What drinks can I have with Invisalign in?
You can drink water with your aligners in, but we recommend removing your aligners for all other drinks.
How do I clean my Invisalign after eating?
Make sure to rinse your aligners with warm water each time you remove them. Cleaning them regularly with a soft toothbrush will also ensure your aligners are kept free from food particles and avoid stains.
Are there things you can’t eat with Invisalign?
We recommend avoiding sticky, hard, and sugary foods.
What happens if you accidentally eat with Invisalign?
Eating with your aligners in can cause damage and affect your treatment progress. If you do accidentally eat with your aligners in, make sure you clean and rinse them thoroughly.
Can I leave my Invisalign out for 3 hours?
It’s important to wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours per day to achieve the desired treatment result. If you leave them out for too long, it could delay your progress.
Can You Eat With Invisalign? Final Thoughts
Maintaining healthy eating habits while using Invisalign is key to the success of your treatment. By following to the recommended dos and don’ts, cleaning your aligners consistently, and practicing good oral hygiene, you can keep your aligners in good condition and ensure your treatment progresses as planned.
Make sure to remove your aligners before eating, avoid certain foods and drinks, and properly care for your aligners. These steps will help you achieve the best possible results from your Invisalign treatment.
Ready to start your Invisalign journey? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get personalised advice on eating and caring for your Invisalign aligners!