What are some of your favorite foods? If you’re like many, hard tacos, popcorn, pretzels, corn chips, nuts, candy, hard breads, and pizza might make your list of preferred foods and snacks. How would you feel if you were told you couldn’t eat any of those things—and several other popular foods—for months or a year or more? If you need metal braces, that’s exactly what your orthodontist might tell you.
What would you think about orthodontic treatment that can produce results that are at least as good as those conventional braces yield while allowing you to eat and drink whatever you want? Believe it or not, there is such a treatment. And it’s known as Invisalign.
About Invisalign Treatment
Since it was introduced in the late 1990s, Invisalign treatment has improved millions of smiles for adults and teenagers alike. Invisalign uses clear aligners to gradually move a patient’s teeth into proper position. While a typical treatment plan may last 12-18 months, Invisalign patients may start to see promising results in just a few weeks.
Whereas metal braces are visible even from a distance, Invisalign clear aligners are hard to detect even when you’re talking to someone face to face. While people who wear braces usually have to restrict their diets, patients undergoing Invisalign treatment don’t have the same burden. Monitoring Demineralization While Using Invisalign is important, as maintaining proper oral hygiene and limiting stain- or acid-causing foods helps protect enamel while enjoying a flexible diet.
Dietary Guidelines for Invisalign
Although an Invisalign orthodontist won’t give you a lengthy list of foods you’ll need to avoid during your treatment, many patients still ask, ‘what foods can you not eat with Invisalign?’ While aligners are removed when eating, there are still some things you should think twice about consuming or doing. For starters, you should refrain from smoking, chewing gum or tobacco, and consuming alcohol during your Invisalign treatment. Residue from these substances can stick to your Invisalign aligners and make your trays and teeth look yellow.
While you don’t have to avoid specific foods during your Invisalign treatment, there are some categories of food you may want to refrain from eating. Hard foods that may have a negative impact on the position of your teeth are one type of food you should avoid or eat rarely.
You may want to avoid spicy and icy foods as well. Ice can damage your teeth if you chew it, while cold foods like ice cream can cause your teeth to suffer small or larger cracks. Many patients ask, ‘what can I eat with Invisalign?’ since aligners must be removed while eating, you technically can eat anything, but it’s best to avoid acidic or overly spicy foods during treatment. These types of foods can break down teeth and gums, which is why you should consume them sparingly, if at all.
In addition to avoiding certain kinds of food, it’s wise to limit or eliminate your intake of soda, coffee, and tea during your Invisalign treatment. Many people ask, ‘can you eat with clear aligners?’—the answer is no, as aligners should always be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water. While you can consume protein drinks during your treatment, you should drink them in moderation and be vigilant about brushing your teeth afterward.
Dr. Colin Webb: Your Trusted Invisalign Specialist
When you choose Clearsmile Orthodontics for your Invisalign treatment, you’ll work with our resident Invisalign specialist Dr. Colin Webb. Dr. Webb treats hundreds of people with Invisalign every six months, making him an elite Invisalign orthodontist.
We know you probably have a lot of questions about Invisalign. Look over our frequently asked questions now and contact us with any questions you might have about Invisalign so we can help you achieve your best smile.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. What can you eat and drink with invisalign ?
Because the aligners in Invisalign are removable, you can eat most foods. But it’s important to take them out before eating and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
2. When using Invisalign, what foods should I avoid?
Avoid hard, spicy, and icy foods like nuts, pretzels, ice, and overly acidic or spicy dishes. These have the potential to harm teeth and to make treatment uncomfortable.
3. Can I drink coffee, tea, or soda with Invisalign on?
No, it’s best to remove your aligners before drinking coffee, tea, or soda. These beverages can stain your aligners and increase plaque buildup on your teeth.
4. Is chewing gum or smoking allowed with Invisalign?
No, chewing gum, smoking, or using tobacco can discolor and damage your aligners. During treatment, it also raises the risk of oral health issues.
5. Do I have to give up alcohol while using Invisalign?
Limit alcohol consumption during treatment, even if it is permitted on occasion. Drinks with sugar and acidity can stick to aligners and damage enamel if not properly cleaned.
6. What should I do after eating before putting my Invisalign trays back in?
After every meal, brush and floss your teeth. This helps prevent food particles and acids from getting trapped under your aligners, keeping your smile healthy.