How to Eat with Invisalign Braces

Invisalign is a safe, easy to use, discreet way to straighten your teeth. It is a more flexible treatment than traditional metal braces, capable of creating an aesthetically pleasing smile without the pain of metal brackets and wires.

Unlike metal braces, there are also significantly fewer food restrictions, making it a better choice for those that are concerned about keeping to their usual diet. However, like any type of dental treatment, you do still have to make some small adjustments in order to eat with Invisalign.

What Actions You Should Avoid

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, there are almost no restrictions on what sort of foods and beverages you can have. This is a welcome change from traditional braces. The only concession that you will have to make is that you have to remove your aligners while you eat or drink (unless drinking water), since the aligners can become damaged and dirty while you eat. It is also recommended that you brush your teeth before you put your braces back on to make sure that you do not trap food between your teeth and the aligners.

There are, however, a few changes you will need to keep in mind during your treatment. These include:

• Limit Liquids to Water With Invisalign – Water is the only beverage that you can or should drink with your Invisalign system on. For any other beverage, including coffee, you should remove your aligners and follow your traditional eating care instructions. Not only can certain beverages stain your aligner – they will also get trapped under your aligner, and possibly stain your teeth or contribute to the development of cavities.
• No Gum – You also have to try to avoid gum while your aligners are on. Although not as likely to create physical damage to the aligner, gum has a tendency to pull the aligners off, and possibly cause you to bite them in a way that causes permanent damage. Chewing gum with Invisalign off is also not recommended, since that’s time that your teeth with the treatment on in order to be effective.

These are the only restrictions that you need to keep in mind during the Invisalign treatment. All other foods are considered acceptable. You simply have to remove the Invisalign aligner while you eat, and you can eat any food that you please without worrying about consequences.

In comparison with traditional metal braces, the treatment requirements for Invisalign are less strict and easier to follow to ensure oral health. There are very few additional restrictions, and you are generally free to eat what you please provided you care for your teeth in the process. To learn more about proper tooth care with Invisalign, please see our page on How to Care for Your Teeth. If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign, please call us today at 949-770-8011.