One of the greatest benefits associated with the Invisalign orthodontic system is that you are not limited in terms of the foods and beverages you can consume while undergoing treatment. When undergoing treatment with conventional metal braces, there are certain foods that must be avoided, including popcorn, nuts, and other hard, chewy, and sticky foods. Because the clear plastic aligners used in the Invisalign treatment process are removable, you can enjoy these foods in moderation, as long as you brush and floss your teeth afterward.

This does not mean that you can eat whatever they want whenever you want when undergoing Invisalign treatment, however. There are guidelines that must be followed when it comes to eating and drinking with Invisalign. During your initial consultation at our orthodontic office, Dr. Eleni and Dr. Abraham will discuss these guidelines in detail with you so that you can make confident, educated decisions about whether to proceed with Invisalign in Whitestone, NY.

Can You Eat While Wearing Your Invisalign Trays?

Although your Invisalign trays will be made of a durable plastic that is designed to withstand daily wear and tear for the approximately two weeks you will wear them, they are not invulnerable to breakage. Remember that the trays are also designed to be so thin that they fit comfortably in your mouth and are difficult for others to detect when you speak and smile. When you eat with your aligners in, you will risk cracking or otherwise damaging them.

On the other hand, some dental professionals suggest that eating soft foods with your aligners in is perfectly acceptable. Technically, you are unlikely to damage your aligners by eating soft foods while wearing them. However, Align, the company that manufactures Invisalign, advises against eating any type of food with the aligners in.

This is for two reasons:

• Even if the aligners withstand the pressure of biting and chewing, they can become stained if not cleaned immediately after being exposed to food.
• The trays can trap the sugars and acids from foods, causing teeth to be exposed for prolonged periods before being cleaned, thus increasing the risk of enamel erosion and cavities.

Can You Drink While Wearing Your Invisalign Trays?

You can drink water with your Invisalign trays in, of course. You should be cautious about the other liquids you drink, however. The same issues that exist with foods also exist with liquids. Again, Invisalign trays can become stained, and exposing them to colored liquids can cause them to discolor just enough to be conspicuous against your white teeth. Even clear liquids, such as Sprite and 7-Up, can become trapped in your trays and harm your teeth. If you do consume beverages other than water with your Invisalign trays in, be sure to rinse your mouth and trays as soon as possible afterward.

One important point to remember when wearing your Invisalign aligners is not to consume hot beverages such as coffee and tea. Aside from their being powerful staining agents, these beverages can also cause the plastic aligners to become distorted due to heat exposure. Always remove your trays before consuming hot liquids.

Important Tips for Eating & Drinking with Invisalign

To ensure the success of your Invisalign treatment, it is absolutely essential that you wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours every day. You should remove them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Therefore, while you certainly can eat whatever you like during Invisalign treatment, you should plan your meals and snacks carefully so that you don’t have to remove your aligners more often than is necessary.

Also, you will want to exercise the same good judgment in the foods you eat that you would when not undergoing orthodontic treatment, avoiding overly sugary and acidic foods as much as possible. Be sure to brush and floss thoroughly after each meal and to clean your aligners as advised by our orthodontists.

Learn More About Eating & Drinking with Invisalign in Whitestone, NY

To learn more about eating and drinking with Invisalign, or to schedule your initial Invisalign consultation with one of our esteemed orthodontists, please contact Avenue Orthodontics today.

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other orthodontic-related topics, feel free to contact Avenue Orthodontics by clicking here or by calling 516-484-0234 to reach our Roslyn office or 718-767-8400 to reach our Whitestone office.