There are many different reasons why patients are drawn to Invisalign when it comes to addressing their orthodontic needs. One, in particular, is how little this treatment disrupts life – even when it comes to eating.
Unlike traditional braces, you can remove your Invisalign aligners when you eat, making it a very convenient treatment option. But, can you eat with Invisalign? Here is everything you need to know.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
When you eat, remove your aligners. Let’s say that again — whenever you eat anything while undergoing Invisalign treatment, always remove your aligners.
You never want to consume anything with your aligners in your mouth as you risk causing damage to them.
It does not matter whether it is something soft or just taste-testing your food while cooking dinner – do not ingest anything with your Invisalign aligners in your mouth. With just one bite, you can potentially warp the aligner and disrupt your treatment.
Get in the habit early of removing your aligners and placing them somewhere safe while you enjoy your food.
Can You Drink with Invisalign?
Drinking with Invisalign may not be something you have given much thought to. After all, you aren’t using any pressure to consume a beverage, so the risk of damaging your aligners isn’t there.
Believe it or not, drinking hot coffee or hot tea can actually warp the soft plastic aligners in your mouth. What’s more, hydrating with anything other than water can cause staining — which can impact their ability to remain clear.
When you are thirsty, stick to water as much as possible. Or, remove your aligners.
Compliance With Treatment
Certain orthodontic treatments, such as traditional braces, will require you to make changes to your daily routine – including the foods you eat. With the brackets and wires, eating things that are hard, chewy, or sticky can compromise your treatment and must be avoided for the duration.
Invisalign allows you to have the freedom to eat what you want, without having to keep certain foods out of your diet. Instead, you simply remove your aligners and eat.
Something that you will always need to take into consideration is the fact that your aligners only work while you are wearing them. On average, you need to have them in your mouth for 20 to 22 hours each day, as anything less can delay your treatment timeline.
Planning your meals so that you comply with treatment is always a good idea. So, you may be able to eat anything you want, but you only have a certain amount of time to eat it, so use your time wisely.
Protecting Your Teeth – And Your Aligners
By the time you finish eating a meal, bacteria and plaque are already appearing on your teeth. Placing them back into your aligners without brushing your teeth is an easy way to put your teeth in jeopardy.
Always brush your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back in. If this isn’t possible, giving your mouth a really good rinse is highly recommended. Then, brush your teeth as soon as you can.
Maintaining good hygiene will not only protect your teeth and your aligners, but it will ensure you have a beautiful straight and healthy smile when your orthodontic treatment is done.
Ready to Learn More About Invisalign?
Invisalign is a highly–effective orthodontic treatment option. Minoli & Vijay, DDS PC can help you discover whether or not it is an ideal solution for your oral health needs.
Contact us today at 212-888-4140 to schedule an appointment.