Starting Invisalign treatment comes with many questions – especially about what you can and can’t eat while wearing your aligners. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of the most common questions that first-time Invisalign users have when they start their treatment.
Follow your orthodontist’s recommendations and learn how to avoid common mistakes that could damage your aligners or slow down your progress.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
With Invisalign, you will need to remove your aligners before eating. This can feel inconvenient at first, but it helps keep them free from food particles and bacteria.
What Can I Eat with Invisalign?
You can follow your regular diet as long as you remove your aligners before eating.
During the first few days after wearing your Invisalign for the first time – or after switching to a new set of trays – you may feel more comfortable eating soft foods, as biting and chewing can cause mild discomfort.
You will also need to brush your teeth after every meal to avoid staining the trays or developing cavities. Carry your aligners case with you so you can store them safely whenever you eat or drink.
Can I eat ice cream with Invisalign?
Yes, you can enjoy ice cream but make sure to remove your aligners first. Afterward, brush your teeth – or at least rinse your mouth – to remove sugary residue before putting them back in.
Can I eat yoghurt with Invisalign?
Yes, as long as you remove your aligners first. Yoghurt is one of the best foods to eat in the first days after changing trays. It is soft and gentle on sensitive teeth.
Can you eat mints with Invisalign?
As with any food, you should remove your aligners before eating mints and brush your teeth before reinserting them to remove any residue.
Sticky or chewy mints can adhere to the plastic if you forget to remove the trays.
Can you eat popcorn with Invisalign?
Orthodontists generally advise avoiding popcorn during Invisalign treatment. Popcorn can get stuck between your teeth or under the aligners, and unpopped kernels can damage teeth and attachments.
To enjoy some popcorn, remove your aligners first. After you finish eating, brush your teeth thoroughly, and use dental floss to ensure no leftovers are stuck between your teeth.
Can you chew gum with Invisalign?
Dentists do not recommend chewing gum while you wear your Invisalign. Gum can stick to and distort the trays.
Also, because most gums contain sugar, you should at least rinse your mouth with water afterward to reduce sugar levels before reinserting your aligners.
What Happens if You Eat with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners have been designed to be flexible, durable, and transparent. Misusing them can cause damage that affects your treatment progress.
Eating while wearing your aligners could lead to trapped food residue, plaque buildup, or decay. Biting or twisting the trays into place can also cause them to break.
Removing your clear aligners before meals and maintaining optimal oral hygiene is essential for successful treatment. If an aligner becomes distorted, it may not fit correctly, which could slow or compromise your results.
Can You Drink with Invisalign?
This is also a very common question. For the best results, avoid drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners. This helps prevent staining both teeth and trays.
Always keep your aligner case with you so you can store them safely while enjoying your drink.
Colored, hot, acidic, or sugary drinks can stain, warp, or trap sugar under the tray against your enamel.
What Can I Drink with Invisalign?
The short answer would be only cool water. If you fancy any other drink, remove your aligners first and brush your teeth (or rinse if brushing is not possible) before putting them back in to reduce staining and sugar buildup.
Invisalign recommends removing trays ‘to avoid formation of cavities and stains or warping of the aligners with hot drinks and hot water’.
Can I drink water with Invisalign?
Yes, as long as it is cool water. Water is the only drink you are allowed to have while wearing your aligners. Besides keeping you hydrated, it will contribute to keeping your aligners clean.
Can I drink sparkling water with Invisalign?
You might think drinking sparkling water with your aligners is safe. However, its acidic component can slowly wear away your enamel. It is best to remove your aligners first and rinse your mouth afterward.
Can I drink tea with Invisalign?
Avoid drinking hot tea while wearing your aligners as it can warp the plastic and stain your aligners and teeth. As you may have already guessed, it is better to remove these first and enjoy your drink. Once you have finished, brush or rinse as usual.
Can I drink coffee with Invisalign?
You can have your morning coffee as usual, as long as you have removed your aligners beforehand. Like tea, coffee can stain your aligners and teeth. As important as removing the trays is brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth with water.
Can you drink alcohol with Invisalign?
Alcoholic beverages – especially those high in sugar and colored, like wine – can stain and leave residue on your teeth and aligners. It is best to take out your Invisalign first and if you can’t brush, rinse your mouth before putting your aligners back in.
Can I Vape with Invisalign?
Smoking or vaping while wearing aligners may lead to discoloration and damage of the trays. In general, tobacco and vaping can increase the risk of gum disease and slow tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.
If you don’t plan to quit smoking or vaping, remove your aligners first and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Key Takeaways
Invisalign aligners offer many benefits for those who want to improve their smile discreetly. By following your orthodontists’ recommendations, you will ensure you make the most of your treatment:
- Wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day.
- Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than cool water
- Brush teeth and rinse before reinserting the trays to prevent staining, plaque buildup, and bacteria.
- Read Invisalign’s care instructions and ask your orthodontist for further advice.
By maintaining these simple habits, you will keep your aligners clear and your smile on track throughout your treatment.
Sources:
Invisalign® – Use and care instructions for your Invisalign aligners
Invisalign® – What can you drink during your Invisalign® treatment
American Association of Orthodontists – Clear Aligners
This content is for informational purposes only. Consult a professional for personal advice.