Food Freedom with Invisalign
Traditional metal braces come with so many food limitations, it can be hard to keep track of. Food can get stuck in the braces and damage brackets, requiring a special diet as well as additional care.
When you have Invisalign aligners, you don’t need to restrict your diet. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners are removable and are taken out when you eat. You’ll be able to eat and drink all the same things you usually do, so you don’t have to pause your life for braces.
Aligner-Friendly Habits
While you can still eat all the foods you love, taking care of your aligners when you eat is important. There are some steps you can take to make sure your teeth remain healthy and to keep your aligners intact.
Wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day is recommended to keep your Invisalign treatment on track, removing them only for meals. Planning your meals in advance can help you to be able to care for your aligners properly.
Don’t eat anything while wearing your aligners, as this can cause damage to them. You should always remove your aligners before eating or drinking to prevent breakage and staining. The only beverage you can consume while wearing your aligners is cold water.
Before you put your aligners back in, make sure to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. This will help to avoid staining and food particles getting stuck in your aligners. Staining doesn’t harm your treatment, but your aligners will no longer appear practically invisible.
Harmful Foods & Habits
You can eat anything you want as long as you remove your aligners before meals, but if you want to ensure your teeth are in their best condition there are additional steps you may want to consider. These foods and habits can negatively impact your appearance and health.
- Gum – Many chewing gums contain a high amount of sugar and are like candy. This can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Some sugarless chewing gums with xylitol as an ingredient can be good for your teeth, though.
- Teeth stainers – Some foods and beverages can stain when you consume them, dulling the brightness of your teeth. These include coffee, black tea, red wine, pomegranates, and blueberries.
- Hard or chewy foods – Hard, crunchy foods can cause cracking or irritate the soft tissues inside your teeth. Chewy foods can get stuck on your teeth and lead to cavities.
Planning Ahead for Your Meals
We recommend thinking about what and when you’re going to eat throughout the day. That way, you’ll be able to plan when your aligner will be out and be able to clean your teeth.
Changing your eating habits because of Invisalign can be difficult at first, especially if you’re used to snacking throughout the day. But it’s important to wear your aligners for as long as you can throughout the day to keep your treatment on track and to remove them so they don’t get damaged while eating.
Like all habits, your changing eating routines take some time to change. If you have continued difficulty eating during your Invisalign treatment, Dr. Assi can help you establish a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink alcohol while wearing Invisalign?
Yes, you can drink alcohol as long as you remove your Invisalign aligners when you drink. You have to be especially careful to clean your teeth after drinking alcohol because it can be sticky, sugary, and dark beverages can stain your teeth as well as your aligners.
Keep in mind that you need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. This means you’ll want to limit how long you’re drinking so you won’t impact your treatment plan.
Can you drink coffee while wearing Invisalign?
Yes, you can drink coffee during Invisalign treatment if you remove your aligners. Drinking coffee while wearing your aligners can damage them, as hot beverages can cause warping. You’ll also have to make sure you clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in, as coffee can cause staining on your teeth and your aligners.
To wear your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day, limiting your coffee consumption may be necessary. Not meeting the required wear time can impact your Invisalign treatment plan.
Contact Us for Invisalign Advice
If you have questions about the foods you eat or Invisalign care during your treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. We’ll be happy to address your concerns about your Invisalign treatment.
To contact our office, call 954-603-3508. You can also fill out our simple online contact form, and a knowledgeable member of our team will be with you right away.