Food That You Can And Can’t Eat When You Have Invisalign

If you’re one of the many people considering Invisalign, you may be wondering what you can and can’t eat while wearing them.

While some foods should be avoided, like crunchy or sticky snacks, plenty of others can be enjoyed without any problems.

Here is a list of foods to eat and avoid while wearing Invisalign aligners. Knowing this can help keep your treatment on track and looking great!

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a form of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. The invisible aligners are custom-made for each patient and are designed to gradually move teeth into the correct position to achieve a beautiful smile.

Invisalign is a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth without wearing metal braces.

The benefits of Invisalign include:

• Invisalign is discreet: The clear aligners are hardly visible, making them a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth without anyone knowing.
• Invisalign is comfortable: Without the metal wires and brackets, the tray aligners do not cause as much irritation or discomfort as traditional braces can.
• Invisalign is convenient: Aligners can be removed for eating and brushing teeth, making them a convenient option for people who lead active lifestyles.
• Invisalign is effective: Invisalign has been shown to be a viable alternative to traditional metal braces in addressing certain dental issues for a healthier-looking smile.
• Invisalign promotes good oral health: Invisalign does this by making it easier to brush and floss teeth, which helps to remove plaque and bacteria.

Invisalign can address a number of dental issues, including:

• Crooked teeth: Invisalign can be used to straighten crooked teeth.
• Misaligned teeth: Invisalign can be used to address misaligned teeth by gently moving them into the correct position.
• Gapped teeth: Invisalign can be used to close small gaps between teeth.
• Overbite: Invisalign can be used to address an overbite by gently moving the upper jaw back into the correct position.
• Underbite: Invisalign can be used to address an underbite by gently moving the lower jaw back into the correct position.
• Openbite: Invisalign can be used to address an open bite by gently moving the teeth back into the correct position.

If you are considering Invisalign treatment, consult your dentist to see if it is the right option for you. Invisalign can address a wide range of dental problems, but it may not be appropriate for everyone.

What Can I Snack On With Invisalign?

You can snack on anything you want with Invisalign, as long as you remove your aligners before eating. This means that you won’t have to give up your favourite foods during treatment.

Some good snacks to eat while wearing Invisalign are:

• Cheese
• Veggies, except hard and crunchy ones
• Plain yogurt
• Fruit, such as bananas, peaches, and avocados

However, it’s important to brush your teeth after eating, regardless of what you ate or drank. Otherwise, food debris and bacteria can get trapped between your teeth and aligners, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

What Should I Eat During My First Week With Invisalign?

The first week with your Invisalign aligners is the most critical. This is because your teeth and gums are adjusting to the new alignment and pressure. To minimise discomfort, you should stick to soft foods and avoid hard or chewy foods.

Here’s a list of foods that are good options for the first week:

• Soup
• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Smoothies
• Ice cream and milkshakes
• Soft fruits like bananas and melon
• Cooked vegetables like carrots and squash
• Fish
• Chicken
• Tofu

You should also avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, and coffee or tea. These can stain your aligners. Likewise, acidic foods should be avoided because they can cause tooth enamel erosion and lead to tooth decay. Sugary drinks can also cause cavities.

After the first week, you can start to eat more substantial foods. However, you should still avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods that can damage your aligners or get stuck in your teeth.

Some good options for acceptable foods include:

• Tuna salads
• Grilled chicken or fish
• Pasta with a light-coloured sauce
• Rice
• Baked and mashed potatoes
• Pudding

You can also eat most raw fruits and vegetables as long as you cut them into small pieces. Hard fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples should be avoided.

If you do eat something that can damage your aligners, be sure to brush your teeth and aligners right away. This will help remove any leftover food particles that could cause problems.

What Food Should Be Avoided During Invisalign Treatment?

In general, you should avoid eating or drinking anything that could potentially stain or damage your aligners. Try to avoid foods and beverages such as:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Energy drinks
• Alcoholic drinks
• Fruit drinks, such as grape juice
• Berries
• Beets
• Mustard
• Curry
• Tomatoes
• Balsamic vinegar
• Soy sauce

If you do consume these, tooth brushing can help prevent stains and discolouration. Sticking to plain water is highly recommended.

You should also avoid eating sticky or chewy foods, as they can cling to your aligners and cause them to become dislodged. Some examples of sticky or chewy foods include candy bars, gum, caramel, and taffy. Try to refrain from very hot drinks while wearing your aligners, as well. Extreme temperatures can potentially warp your aligners.

If you have any questions about what you can and cannot eat or drink with Invisalign, be sure to ask your dentist. They can give you specific recommendations based on your treatment plan.

Do I Have To Brush After Every Meal With Invisalign?

It is important to brush your teeth after every meal, regardless of whether or not you are wearing Invisalign. Plaque and bacteria can accumulate on your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

If you are wearing Invisalign, you should also take the time to clean your aligners. This can be done by brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and liquid soap. You can also rinse them with lukewarm water. Be sure to clean your aligners at least once a day to remove any food or bacteria that may be trapped in them.

Some people find it helpful to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with them when they’re out and about, so they can brush their teeth after eating. Others prefer to eat their meals at home, so they can brush their teeth after eating.

Can Eating Damage My Invisalign?

If you’ve been fitted with Invisalign clear aligners, you’re probably wondering what things you can and can’t do with them. Can you eat with Invisalign? You certainly can – but that doesn’t mean that you should.

While the occasional meal won’t damage Invisalign, frequently eating with Invisalign can cause several problems. First, food can become trapped between your teeth and your aligners. When this happens, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, your clear aligners can become stained or discoloured. This is especially true if you enjoy consuming dark-coloured foods and drinks. Lastly, though Invisalign is made from strong plastic, it’s not indestructible. When exposed to chewing forces or hard foods, it can crack, break or chip.

In addition, chewing with Invisalign can also lead to gum irritation. So while you can technically eat with Invisalign in, it’s best to remove them before meals, taking extra care to avoid damaging your aligners and your teeth.

How Do I Fix My Warped Invisalign?

If an Invisalign aligner is warped, you can try doing the following:

• Soak the aligner in a cup of room-temperature water for about 15 minutes.
• Gently use your fingers to bend the aligner back into shape.
• If it is still warped, soak the Invisalign aligner in hot water for a few seconds and repeat the process.
• Lay the aligner on a flat surface and allow it to dry completely before wearing it again.

If these steps do not fix a warped Invisalign aligner, be sure to remove it and visit your dentist to have it replaced with a new aligner as soon as possible. Please do not wear a warped aligner, as it may affect the results and progress of your treatment.

Final Thoughts

While following a healthy diet is important for oral health, the right food choices are especially crucial during Invisalign treatment.

Make sure to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods as they can damage your aligners, as well as foods and drinks that can cause staining or discolouration. Sugary foods and drinks can also cause cavities and should be avoided. Instead, focus on eating nutrient-rich foods that will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

If you have questions about what you can eat while wearing Invisalign aligners, don’t hesitate to book an appointment through our website or call Maylands Dental Centre at (08) 9370 5464. We would be happy to help!