Can you eat with Invisalign? What you should know

As they work differently from traditional braces, ‘what can't you eat with Invisalign?’ is a question many existing and prospective Invisalign patients ask our dental team.

Is eating allowed when wearing your aligners? Or will it damage them? Our dental team explore this throughout this article, so continue reading to find out everything you should know about eating and Invisalign. 

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Do you take Invisalign out to eat?

For reasons we’ll explore throughout this blog, you generally shouldn’t consume anything while wearing your plastic aligners.

To keep your clear aligners in optimal condition and ensure your dream smile is progressing as it should, be sure to do the following when it comes to eating:

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• Remove your aligner during meal times

• Don’t snack while wearing your aligner trays

• Don’t chew gum with your Invisalign aligners in

• Brush your teeth after eating, before reinserting your trays

So, why is it essential that you do this?

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Why can’t you eat with Invisalign?

There are numerous reasons why you shouldn’t eat while wearing your custom clear plastic trays:

Chewing can damage your aligner trays

Unlike traditional fixed braces that consist of a bracket and wire system bonded to the surface of your teeth, Invisalign uses removable clear aligners that slot over the entire arch of teeth. These plastic trays aren’t designed to withstand bite forces and can break or deform as a result of chewing motions.

What’s more, crunchy foods can chip your aligners, which can cause discomfort if the sharp plastic catches on your gums.

Also, refrain from consuming hot drinks as the heat can warp the shape of your bespoke trays, making them ineffective and unable to straighten your teeth.

Eating can stain your trays

Sugary or acidic foods and beverages can stain your Invisalign aligners, leaving visible discolouration. Considering this treatment’s most desirable benefit is discrete alignment, it’s in your best interest not to eat or drink while wearing them.

Consuming foods and drinks can harm your oral hygiene 

Not only can eating break or stain your aligners, but it can impact your dental hygiene too! Sticky foods can collect on your aligners and start to smell, making you feel self-conscious or embarrassed. 

What’s more, food particles can become trapped in your aligners, leading to plaque and bacteria build-ups, potentially resulting in bad breath and gum disease.  

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Is there anything you can eat with Invisalign?

You can still drink water with your aligner trays - but only water! Stay clear of foods, gum and other drinks, such as coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and fruit juices. As mentioned earlier, these consumables will harm your clear trays and negatively affect your Invisalign treatment.

We also recommend brushing your teeth straight after you eat to prevent food from getting stuck between your teeth or under your gums after reinserting your aligners.

So, be sure to take your trays out during meal times and while snacking; otherwise, you won’t experience the amazing smile Invisalign can give you!

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Book a consultation for Invisalign at Riverside Dental

The straighter and more radiant smile you’re craving is closer than you think with Invisalign, provided by our teams here at Riverside Dental.

As the first and only Invisalign diamond provider in Norwich, there’s no practice better suited to providing you with your bespoke Invisalign treatment.

To kickstart your smile journey at our award-winning practice, why not give our helpful team a call on 0160 392 0313 or contact us online today, and we’ll book you in. 

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