What Happens when You Eat with Invisalign? 2024 Guide

Did you accidentally forget to remove your Invisalign aligners while eating? Don’t worry– it’s not the end of the world! Eating with Invisalign can be an intimidating thought for many people – after all, when you invest in a set of clear braces, the last thing you want is to limit your diet! But if you’re considering using Invisalign braces and you worry that what you eat will affect their performance or cause damage to them, don’t fret.

Eating with Invisalign isn’t as difficult as it may seem, and there are some great tips for those who want to maintain their oral health while making the most out of the Invisalign experience.

But before that, let’s discuss everything you need to know about eating with Invisalign so you’ll never have the same problem again!

Can You Eat with Invisalign?

Yes, you can eat with Invisalign! However, you must remove your aligners while eating because you cannot chew your food properly. Simply place it in a container and put it beside you while eating.

Don’t ever leave it on a napkin or paper towel because you might forget about your aligners once you’re done eating!

What Food Can You Eat with Invisalign?

Unlike traditional braces with many foods you can’t eat, with Invisalign, you can eat anything except gum. If you really need to chew gum, you can always opt for Invisalign chewies or clear aligner mints that you can get in the grocery or drug store near you.

Remember, while you can eat anything while you’re on Invisalign treatment, make sure to remove your aligners before eating.

Can You Drink with Invisalign?

Just like how you can eat anything with Invisalign, you can also drink whatever you want, provided that you remove them before you drink something.

You don’t have to remove your Invisalign while drinking warm or cold water. But, if you’re drinking hot water, it’s better to remove it to avoid breaking. Take note you still have to remove the aligners even if you’re using a straw when drinking hot beverages!

You can also drink alcohol, juice, and soda with Invisalign as long as you remove it before drinking.

What Happens if You Forget to Remove My Invisalign While Eating?

Wearing Invisalign while eating can harm your oral health and the aligners themselves.

Here are the possible scenarios that might happen if you accidentally eat with your Invisalign aligners:

• Your aligners might crack or break.
• You will lessen the effectiveness of your Invisalign treatment.
• You will prolong the process of your treatment.
• Your aligners might get stained.
• The food particles trapped in the aligners may promote bacterial growth, making you prone to tooth decay and gum disease.

What Should You Do if You Accidentally Eat with Invisalign?

If you accidentally eat with Invisalign aligners on, you should first remove the aligners and thoroughly clean your teeth and aligners. Eating with aligners can damage them and make them less effective at straightening your teeth. Additionally, it can cause food particles to become trapped in your aligners, leading to bacteria growth and bad breath.

If you’re concerned about any potential damage to your aligners or have any questions or concerns about your Invisalign treatment, contact your orthodontist for guidance.

Standard Practices You Need to Do with Invisalign

To avoid further mishaps with your Invisalign, practice the following to maintain good oral hygiene while on Invisalign treatment:

Regular Brushing

You must brush your teeth every time you finish a meal, including snacks. That way, you can remove all the remaining food particles and bacteria in your mouth to avoid gum diseases. Make sure to remove your aligners while brushing, though!

One helpful tip for this is always to have a toothbrush kit containing your toothbrush, toothpaste, aligner case, and some floss in your bag. That way, you’ll less likely to forget to brush after each meal.

Don’t forget to brush your Invisalign aligners every morning and night with a separate toothbrush and a mild, clear liquid soap.

Wearing Invisalign

Invisalign only works if you wear them, and you must wear them for a long enough period of time for your teeth to straighten. You have to wear the trays for 22 hours per day. You must remove the trays to eat or drink anything other than water. So, after eating and brushing, wear your aligners at once. If you don’t, you’ll extend your treatment time and not get the desired Invisalign results.

If you want to know pros and cons of Invisalign click here.

Takeaway

Having Invisalign aligners might be new to you. Thus, making a few mistakes is normal. However, it’s essential to take care of your aligners well, so you don’t end up with more problems in the future.

If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced provider of Invisalign in Washington DC, Kumra Orthodontics is a top choice. Their team of skilled and knowledgeable orthodontists is committed to providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation today to learn more about their Invisalign treatment options and take the first step towards a beautiful new smile.