Can You Eat with Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for straightening teeth. They are discreet, comfortable, and can be easily removed for eating and cleaning. However, many people wonder whether it is safe to eat with Invisalign aligners in. In this article, we will explore why it is not recommended to eat with Invisalign aligners in, what foods to avoid, and how to care for your aligners if you accidentally eat with them on.

TL; DR

It’s not recommended to eat with your clear aligners because it might cause staining and damaging to your Invisalign or Smile Direct trays as well as cavities. However, it’s not a big deal if your dentist advise you to as long as you brush your teeth and clean your aligners after you finish eating.

Why Shouldn’t You Eat with Invisalign

Certain types of food can cause damage or discoloration to the clear aligners and your teeth are more prune to cavities if you eat with you Invisalign, Smile Direct Club or Byte trays in.

Eating with trays in can damage your Invisalign aligners. For example, hard or crunchy foods, such as popcorn or nuts, can crack or break your aligners. Sticky or chewy foods, such as caramel or gum, can get stuck in the aligners and be difficult to remove. Hence eating with your aligners can cause the trays to become stretched or distorted when trying to remove them. Additionally, acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits or soda, can weaken the material of the aligners over time, making them more susceptible to damage.

Eating with Invisalign aligners in can increase the risk of cavities. Food particles can become trapped between the aligners and your teeth, which can lead to bacterial growth and tooth decay. When you wear your aligners while eating, food debris can be easily trapped between your teeth and your aligners. Over time, the bacteria in the plaque can erode the enamel and lead to cavities, especially if you consume sugary or acidic foods or drinks.

Eating with clear trays in can cause your trays to be stained. Some food, such as red wine, coffee, turmeric, contains natural or artificial colors and they can easily stain your Invisalign aligners. These colors, whether natural or derived from synthetic sources, have a very strong pigmentation, making them difficult to remove. When you eat while wearing Invisalign, the colors can seep into the porous surface of the aligners, leaving behind a yellow or brown tint. This not only affects the appearance of your aligners but can also make them more noticeable when worn.

But my dentist told me to eat with Invisalign?

While most of the dentists would recommend patients to take of their Invisalign, Smile Direct Club or Byte trays, some people may have heard the opposite advise from their orthodontists.

If your dentist has specifically advised you to eat with your Invisalign aligners in, they may have a specific reason for doing so. Following your dentist’s advice is always the best choice. There could be a few reasons why your dentist has recommended that you eat with your Invisalign aligners in. Here are some reasons your dentist might have suggested to eat with you clear aligners:

1. Convenience: Removing your aligners before every meal and then cleaning them and your teeth before putting them back in can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Eating with your aligners in can save time and make your treatment more manageable.
2. Compliance: Some patients may find it difficult to remember to wear their aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day, especially if they have to remove them every time they eat. Allowing patients to eat with their aligners in may increase compliance and help them stay on track with their treatment.
3. Specific Treatment Plan: Depending on your specific treatment plan, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend that you eat with your aligners in. This may be the case if your aligners are designed to help correct a specific bite issue or if you are using specific attachments or buttons that require you to keep your aligners in while eating.

Can You Chew Gum Wearing Invisalign?

No. You can’t chew gum wearing Invisalign.

Chewing gum is sticky and a lot of people have reported that the chewing gum are stuck to the aligners and they can’t get it off and have to switch to a new set of trays earlier than expected.

What Do You Do If You've Eaten with Invisalign? How Do You Clean It?

If you accidentally ate with your Invisalign trays on, don't panic. Remove the trays and rinse them with warm water. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the trays. Fizzy 3-in-1 aligner cleaner, mouthwash and toothpaste is a great addition to your oral care routine. This aligner cleaning foam is great for cleaning your Invisalign after each meal or snack as well as rinsing your mouth. Avoid using toothpaste or any abrasive cleaning products, as they can scratch the trays and make them more visible.

Best Practices for Eating with Invisalign

The best practice for eating with Invisalign aligners is to remove them before eating or drinking anything other than water. This allows you to fully enjoy your meals and ensures that your aligners do not become damaged or stained.

Store your aligners in the case so that you don’t lose them or accidentally throw them away.

After eating, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly, and then clean your aligners before putting them back in. If you don’t have access to a clean bathroom because you’re traveling, camping or at work, use mouthwash to swish your mouth and brush your teeth as soon as you get home. Fizzy 3-in-1 aligner cleaner, mouthwash and toothpaste is a great product to clean both your mouth and your trays. All you need to do is pump some foam in your trays, let it sit for a few minutes or pump some foam in your mouth and rinse.

Avoid sugary or acidic foods and drinks, as these can increase the risk of tooth decay and damage to your aligners. Instead, choose healthier options like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Tips for Keeping Your Invisalign Clean for Snackers

To keep your Invisalign aligners clean and free from stains, it's important to practice good oral hygiene and follow a few simple tips:

1. Make sure to remove your trays before consuming anything other than water. It can help prevent food staining your aligners and keep them in good condition throughout your treatment.
2. Before putting your aligners back in, rinse your Smile Direct trays thoroughly with water to remove any food particles or debris.
3. After eating or snacking, be sure to brush and floss your teeth. This will help prevent food particles from getting stuck in your aligners and reduce the risk of tooth decay or gum disease.
4. To keep your aligners clean, use a mild cleaning solution. Fizzy 3-in-1 retainer cleaner is a good option as it doesn’t contain alcohol or paraben and is very mild and effective.
5. Avoid using toothpaste or any abrasive products on your aligners, as these can damage the plastic and potentially affect the fit and function of your trays.

Fizzy 3-In-1 Aligner Cleaner, Mouthwash, And Foam Toothpaste

If you're a snacker undergoing Invisalign treatment, keeping your trays clean is essential to maintain their effectiveness and ensure your teeth stay healthy. That's why we recommend trying Fizzy 3-in-1 aligner cleaner, mouthwash, and foam toothpaste. Fizzy 3-in-1 aligner cleaner, mouthwash and foam toothpaste is a great option to clean your Invisalign trays and your teeth after drinking soda. The mild cleaning agent in the foam helps to remove any lingering soda particles from your aligners It also contain ingredients that can help to freshen your breath and kill bacteria that can cause bad breath. In addition to cleaning your aligners, the mouthwash can also help to remove any stains or discoloration caused by soda on your teeth. Simply apply the foam to your aligner and let it sit while you enjoy your soda. Then, use the mouthwash to swish around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. You can also use it as a toothpaste if you want to give your teeth a deeper cleaning. The product can help to ensure that your Invisalign and teeth stay clean and fresh throughout the day, even after drinking soda. Give Fizzy a try today and keep your Invisalign treatment on track!

Bottom Line

Invisalign aligners are a discreet and convenient way to straighten teeth, but certain foods and drinks can damage or discolor them. Hard or crunchy foods can cause the aligners to crack or break, while sticky or chewy foods can stretch or distort them. Acidic foods and drinks can weaken the material of the aligners over time, making them more susceptible to damage. Eating with Invisalign aligners can also increase the risk of cavities and staining. It is generally recommended that you remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to minimize the risk of damage, staining, and cavities. If you accidentally eat with your Invisalign trays on, you should remove the trays and rinse them with warm water. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the trays. Chewing gum is also not recommended while wearing Invisalign.