What Can You Eat And Drink With Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a state-of-the-art orthodontic option that utilizes clear acrylic aligners to straighten teeth. One of the benefits of this treatment is that the aligners are removable, making it easy for patients to brush and eat. However, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat and drink to maintain good oral health and ensure the treatment stays on track.
As a leading orthodontist, Dr. Koen can guide what foods are safe to eat while wearing Invisalign. Keep reading to learn more about maintaining a healthy diet while undergoing Invisalign treatment.
Can I Eat With Invisalign In?
There are few limitations on what you can eat or drink as an Invisalign patient, but it’s essential to remove your aligners before enjoying food or drink. Eating with invisalign in risks warping, cracking, or discoloring the aligners.
It’s essential to clean your teeth before reinserting the aligners, as food particles, debris, and bacteria can accumulate on or between your teeth.
What Can I Drink With Invisalign In?
When it comes to drinking with Invisalign, you technically have the freedom to drink whatever you like, but there are some important things to keep in mind:
- Water is the only drink you can consume while wearing your Invisalign aligners. Avoid drinking warm or hot water as it may cause the aligner to warp or irritate your gums.
- Tea, coffee, and other beverages that can stain your aligners, attachments, or teeth, must only be consumed after you remove your aligners.
- Alcohol, wine, soda, juice, and all other beverages can also be consumed during Invisalign treatment, but only after removing the aligners.
Consuming any of the above-mentioned beverages with the aligners in place can cause staining, warping, or damage to the aligners and thus may impact the effectiveness of the treatment.
What To Do After You Eat Or Drink
Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day. Remove them only for meals and drinking, and brush or rinse your teeth before putting them back in. Brush and floss daily to keep your teeth and aligners free of plaque and bacteria.
When drinking, rinse aligners with water before reinserting them. Regularly wash or soak your aligners to prevent plaque build-up. If you snack or drink with aligners in, rinse your mouth and aligners with water as soon as possible.
Floss at least once a day and brush after meals and snacks, using a fluoride toothpaste for added protection. Never put aligners in without brushing your teeth first to prevent microcavities and tooth decay.
What Food & Drink to Avoid While Using Invisalign
The main rule with Invisalign is to remove aligners before eating or drinking to avoid damage and discoloration. Enjoy all types of food and drink in moderation, but avoid enjoying them while wearing your aligners as they may trap sugars and starches, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Additionally, avoid sticky and chewy foods like candy or jerky, as they can trap bacteria and promote tooth decay.
Get The Most Out Of Your Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is an excellent option for those who want to straighten their teeth without disrupting their daily routine. To get the best results, remove the aligners before eating or drinking and clean your teeth before putting them back in.
These good habits will keep your smile healthy and shorten your treatment time. At Koen Orthodontics, our team has a wealth of experience treating patients in the Hendersonville and Cookeville areas. We’ll be there to support you every step of the way.
Book a complimentary consultation today to see how Invisalign can give you the smile of your dreams.