Eating with Invisalign: What You Can and Can’t Do

Invisalign aligners offer a discreet and convenient way to straighten teeth, but they come with specific guidelines—especially when it comes to eating. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is removable, which gives you more freedom, but there are still important rules to follow. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you can and can’t do when eating with Invisalign.

What You Can Do

1. Remove Your Aligners Before Eating

The golden rule of Invisalign is to always take out your aligners before eating. Chewing food with them in place can damage or stain the aligners, affecting their fit and effectiveness.

2. Drink Water with Your Aligners On

Plain water is the only beverage that won’t damage or stain your aligners. Staying hydrated is important, and you can sip water without needing to remove them.

3. Eat Anything You Want—With Aligners Off

Since Invisalign is removable, there are no food restrictions like with traditional braces. You can enjoy hard, crunchy, sticky, and chewy foods without worrying about damaging brackets or wires.

4. Brush and Floss After Eating

To prevent plaque buildup and staining, always brush and floss before reinserting your aligners. If brushing isn’t possible, at least rinse your mouth and the aligners with water.

5. Store Your Aligners Properly While Eating

Always place your aligners in their designated case while eating to avoid losing or damaging them. Wrapping them in a napkin increases the risk of accidentally throwing them away.

What You Can’t Do

1. Eat with Your Aligners In

Chewing food while wearing Invisalign can crack, stain, or distort the aligners, making them less effective in straightening your teeth.

2. Drink Anything Other Than Water with Aligners In

Coffee, tea, soda, and wine can stain the aligners, making them more visible. Sugary and acidic drinks can also get trapped between the aligners and teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.

3. Chew Gum While Wearing Invisalign

Gum can stick to your aligners and cause them to warp, affecting their fit and function. Always remove them before chewing gum.

4. Leave Your Aligners Out for Too Long

While you must remove your aligners to eat, it’s essential to put them back in as soon as possible. Invisalign should be worn for at least 20–22 hours per day to stay on track with your treatment.

5. Use Hot Water to Clean Aligners

If you rinse your aligners with hot water, they can warp and lose their shape. Always use lukewarm or cool water for cleaning.

Invisalign in Swartz Creek gives you the flexibility to enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions, but it also requires discipline. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can keep your aligners clean, clear, and effective throughout your treatment. Stay consistent with your oral hygiene, and you’ll be on your way to a straighter, healthier smile!