No, you should not eat with Invisalign aligners according to best practice. Your dentist will tell you to take out your aligners every time you eat a meal or snack, and for any drinks other than plain cool water.
The reason for this is that eating with your aligners can crack, bend or stain them, and it traps food and sugar against your teeth.
By taking out your aligners when you eat or drinking coffee or sugary drinks, you are protecting them, so there is no list of foods to avoid and you can continue as normal.
Key Points:
- You should take out your Invisalign aligners when eating or having a snack
- You can drink water with your Invisalign aligners in – but ideally should take them out when drinking coffee or a soft drink
- Eating with your aligners in can cause them to crack, bend or stain and can trap food under your teeth
- Ideally, you should brush your teeth after each meal before putting your aligners back on, which might mean brushing around 3-4 times a day
Speak to A1 Dental about Invisalign treatment. We are based on London Road in Canterbury, Kent. We are a Diamond Invisalign Provider and offer a free consultation to see if aligners are right for you.
Our team will talk you through daily life with aligners, including eating, drinking and cleaning, so you know what to expect from day one. Find out more about Invisalign in Canterbury, ask about dental finance, or call 01227 765851.
Why Should I Not Eat With My Invisalign Aligners in?
You should try not to eat with Invisalign aligners because chewing puts pressure on the thin plastic, which can cause it to crack or warp. A damaged aligner will not fit properly and it could impact the quality and length of your overall Invisalign treatment.
Eating with aligners can also negatively impact your oral hygiene. Aligners fit snugly over your teeth, so any food that gets underneath is held there. Sugar and bacteria then sit against your teeth for hours, raising the risk of decay, gum problems and bad breath. Having a regular dental check up is worthwhile if you are having Invisalign treatment.
Can I Drink with Invisalign Aligners in?
Yes, you can drink plain, cool water with Invisalign aligners in. However, other hot drinks like tea and coffee can warp the plastic. Coloured drinks such as red wine, cola and coffee can stain the aligners and make them more noticeable. Sugary or fizzy drinks can wash under the aligners and soak your teeth in sugar and acid.
If you do drink something other than water, rinse your mouth well before putting your aligners back in.
What Happens if I Accidentally Eat with Invisalign Aligners in?
If you eat with Invisalign aligners, it is not the end of the world and most people have no symptoms. Even drinking coffee that might stain the trays is not going to impact the straightening of your teeth, but is just not advised as best practice.
If you have eaten with your aligners in, you can rinse your mouth with water and clean the aligners with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Then pop them back in. If an aligner looks damaged or no longer fits well, speak to your dentist for advice.
How Long Can You Leave Invisalign Aligners out to Eat?
You can usually leave Invisalign aligners out for around 2 hours a day in total for eating and drinking. This is because aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day to move your teeth as planned.
That time goes quickly, so it helps to plan your day. Try to stick to set meals rather than grazing, and keep each meal to around 30 minutes. Constant snacking means more time without your aligners and more cleaning.
What Can You Eat During Invisalign Treatment?
You can eat almost anything during Invisalign treatment, because the aligners come out at mealtimes. There is no need to give up crunchy, chewy or sticky foods for good.
That said, your teeth may feel tender for the first few days of each new set of aligners. During this time, you may find that softer foods are often more comfortable, such as:
- Pasta, rice and soups
- Eggs and omelettes
- Fish and tender meat
- Yoghurt, porridge and smoothies
It is also wise to cut back on sugary snacks and fizzy drinks during treatment. Any sugar left on your teeth will be held in place once your aligners go back in.
Should I Brush My Teeth After Every Meal During Invisalign Treatment?
Yes, you should clean your teeth ideally after each meal and before putting your Invisalign aligners back in. Brushing is best, but a thorough rinse with water is better than nothing when you are out.
Take care after acidic food or drinks, such as fruit juice, citrus fruit or fizzy drinks. The Oral Health Foundation advises waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing after acidic food, as brushing too soon can spread acid across your enamel. In the meantime, rinse well with water.
A few simple habits make this easier:
- Carry a travel toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste
- Always keep your aligners in their case, never in a napkin
- Rinse your aligners each time you take them out
Can I Chew Gum with Invisalign Aligners in?
No, you should not chew gum with Invisalign aligners in. Gum sticks to the plastic and is very hard to remove, and the chewing can bend or crack the aligners.
If you like to chew gum, take your aligners out first and choose a sugar-free gum. Keep it short, as this time counts towards the 2 hours or so you have without your aligners each day.
Can I Eat with Invisalign Attachments on my Teeth?
Yes, you can eat with Invisalign attachments on your teeth, as long as the aligners themselves are out. Attachments are small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip.
They are firmly fixed, so normal eating will not knock them off. Very hard foods, like boiled sweets or ice, are best avoided, as biting down hard on an attachment can chip it. Food can also catch around the edges, so take a little extra care when brushing.
Is Eating in Public Harder with Invisalign Aligners?
Eating at a restaurant or in public does not have to be hard. You simply take the aligners out at the table or in the bathroom before your meal.
Always take your case with you, so the aligners stay safe and clean. Lost aligners are one of the most common problems, and many are thrown away by mistake after being wrapped in a napkin. After your meal, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in.
