One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign® is the freedom it offers. You can enjoy your favorite meals without the restrictions that come with traditional braces. However, there are still a few important habits to keep in mind to protect your aligners and keep your treatment on track. Here’s a practical guide on what you can (and can’t) do when eating and drinking with Invisalign.
The Golden Rule: Always Remove Your Aligners Before Eating
Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, which makes eating and drinking much easier. However, they should always be taken out before you eat anything other than water.
Eating with your aligners in place can:
- Damage or crack the trays, affecting their fit and effectiveness.
- Trap food and bacteria, increasing your risk of cavities or gum irritation.
- Stain or discolor the aligners, making them more noticeable.
Before eating, simply remove your aligners, store them safely in their case, and enjoy your meal. Once finished, rinse your mouth, or better yet, brush your teeth, before putting them back in.
What You Can Drink (and What to Avoid)
Hydration is important during Invisalign treatment, but not all drinks are aligner-friendly.
Safe to Drink with Aligners:
- Plain water: The only beverage you can safely drink while wearing Invisalign. It keeps you hydrated and helps rinse away debris without harming your aligners.
Drinks to Avoid While Wearing Aligners:
- Coffee, tea, and red wine: These can stain both your teeth and your aligners, leaving behind yellow or brown discoloration.
- Soda and energy drinks: Their high sugar and acid content can erode enamel and damage your trays.
- Juices and sports drinks: Even natural fruit juices are acidic and sugary, increasing your risk of decay if trapped beneath aligners.
- Hot beverages: Heat can warp the plastic, causing your aligners to lose their precise fit.
If you want to enjoy one of these beverages, remove your aligners first, rinse your mouth afterward, and wait to reinsert them until your teeth are clean.
Eating with Invisalign: Do’s and Don’ts
Here is an easy list of what to do when eating with Invisalign.
Do:
- Remove aligners before every meal or snack.
- Brush or rinse after eating to remove food particles and reduce staining.
- Keep your aligner case handy to avoid accidentally throwing them away (a common mistake!).
- Stick to soft or easy-to-chew foods if your teeth feel tender after switching to a new aligner set.
Don’t:
- Eat with aligners in your mouth. Even soft foods can distort or stain the trays.
- Leave aligners out for long periods. Aim to wear them 20–22 hours a day to stay on schedule.
- Chew gum while wearing aligners. It can stick to and damage the plastic.
- Use colored or flavored mouthwash while wearing trays—it can tint or cloud the aligner material.
Managing Meals on the Go
Busy day ahead? Invisalign fits right into your lifestyle, you just need a few smart habits. Always carry:
- Your aligner case, so you don’t wrap trays in napkins and risk losing them.
- A travel toothbrush or floss picks to clean your teeth after eating.
- A small bottle of water to rinse when brushing isn’t possible.
These small steps make it easy to care for your smile no matter where you are.
Keeping Your Aligners Fresh and Clear
Your aligners are nearly invisible when you take care of them properly. To keep them clear and free of stains and odors:
- Clean them twice daily with a soft toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive cleanser.
- Avoid soaking them in mouthwash, as alcohol can damage the plastic.
- Rinse them every time you remove them to prevent saliva buildup.
Enjoy Your Invisalign Journey
At Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry in Garden Ridge, we’re here to make your Invisalign experience as comfortable and rewarding as possible. If you have questions about caring for your aligners or need guidance during treatment, our team is always happy to help.
