If you’ve recently started your Invisalign journey, you’re on your way to achieving a beautifully aligned smile. One of the many advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is the ability to remove your aligners when eating and drinking. This flexibility allows you to enjoy a wider variety of foods, but it also requires some mindful choices to ensure the success of your treatment and maintain the health of your aligners.

In this post, the team at Gander Smiles Dentistry will explore the foods you can enjoy and those you should avoid while wearing Invisalign, along with tips for keeping your aligners clean and effective.

The Basics of Eating with Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn between 20 and 22 hours a day, which means you have a limited amount of time to eat and drink. It’s essential to remove your aligners before consuming anything other than water to prevent damaging and/or staining your aligners. Here’s a quick rundown of the do’s and don’ts of eating with Invisalign:

• Do: remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.
• Do: brush your teeth and rinse your aligners before putting them back in.
• Don’t: eat with your aligners in, as this can cause them to crack, stain, or become misshapen.
• Don’t: drink sugary, acidic, or hot beverages with your aligners in, as this can lead to staining and damage.

Foods to Avoid with Invisalign

While you should not eat any food while wearing your Invisalign aligners, there are some foods that should especially be avoided to prevent damage to your aligners. Here are foods to steer clear of:

1. Sticky and Chewy Foods

Sticky and chewy foods can cling to your teeth and aligners, making them difficult to clean and potentially damaging your aligners. Avoid:

• Gum: It can stick to the aligners and is difficult to remove.
• Caramel and Toffee: These can cause aligners to stick and even break.
• Gummy Candies: They can easily get stuck in aligners and teeth.

2. Hard Foods

Biting into hard foods can cause your aligners to crack or become misshapen. Avoid:

• Nuts and Hard Candies: These can damage your aligners and even your teeth.
• Ice: Chewing on ice can cause both aligner and tooth damage.
• Hard Pretzels and Chips: These can break into sharp pieces that may harm your aligners.

3. Sugary and Acidic Foods and Drinks

Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can contribute to tooth decay and staining. Avoid:

• Soda and Energy Drinks: High in sugar and acids that can damage teeth.
• Juices: Often contain high levels of sugar and acids.
• Candy: Especially hard or sticky varieties that can stick to aligners.

4. Staining Foods and Drinks

Certain foods and drinks can stain your aligners, making them less discreet. Avoid:

• Coffee and Tea: These can easily stain your aligners.
• Red Wine: Known for its staining properties.
• Tomato Sauce and Curries: These can leave stains on your aligners.

Tips for Eating with Invisalign

To ensure your Invisalign treatment is successful and your aligners remain in good condition, follow these tips:

1. Brush and Floss Regularly

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after every meal before putting your aligners back in. This helps remove food particles and bacteria that can cause decay and bad breath.

2. Clean Your Aligners

Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water every time you remove them. Use a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap to clean them daily. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and cause scratches.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth and aligners clean.

4. Avoid Snacking

Since you need to remove your aligners every time you eat, try to stick to three meals a day and minimize snacking. This helps you wear your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours daily.

5. Use a Case

Always store your aligners in their case when not in use. This prevents them from getting lost or damaged. Avoid wrapping them in napkins, as they can easily be thrown away by mistake.

Invisalign Treatment at Gander Smiles Dentistry

Eating with Invisalign offers more flexibility compared to traditional braces, but it requires mindful choices to ensure the effectiveness of your treatment and the longevity of your aligners. By enjoying a variety of Invisalign-friendly foods and avoiding those that can cause damage or staining, you can maintain good oral health and stay on track with your Invisalign journey.

At Gander Smiles Dentistry, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions about your Invisalign treatment or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact us or to book an appointment.