Invisalign® is often praised for being super convenient because its clear aligners are:
- Virtually invisible
- Cost effective
- Smooth (not made of sharp metal wires and brackets, unlike braces )
- Removable
But you may be wondering:
“Can I eat with Invisalign on?”
In this blog, we’ll answer that very question and more.
Can I eat with Invisalign on?
Here’s the quick answer:
No, you can’t eat while wearing Invisalign trays.
However:
You can eat whatever you’d like during treatment so long as you remove your aligners beforehand.
While your aligners are very durable, they aren’t designed to withstand the extra force from chewing. That pressure can cause your trays to break.
Plus, food particles and residue can get trapped beneath your aligners which is harmful to both the trays and your teeth.
If that debris sits on your teeth throughout the day, it can potentially lead to:
- Cavities
- Stained teeth
- Discolored trays
And:
When plaque builds up on your teeth, it eventually hardens and becomes tartar – a substance that can only be professionally removed by your dentist.
If tartar isn’t removed, it could lead to receding gums or gum disease.
What can you drink with Invisalign?
You shouldn’t drink anything besides water when you’re wearing your Invisalign aligners.
Even though your Invisalign trays may seem like a viable barrier against drinks, a drink could easily stain the aligner material… This text opens a new tab to the Invisalign website….
So to keep your clear aligners in excellent condition, you should avoid eating and drinking while they’re in your mouth.
How to clean Invisalign stains
If your aligners get stained, don’t panic.
Luckily removing stains from your aligners is easy to do!
Do you have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide or a box of baking soda in your pantry?
If not, you should pick some up from your grocery store to have on hand!
These common ingredients will get your clear aligners crystal clear in no time.
Hydrogen peroxide
Create a solution in a cup, using one part warm water and one part hydrogen peroxide.
Combine the hydrogen peroxide with warm water, and let your aligners soak for at least half an hour.
Once your trays are finished soaking, brush off any leftover debris and rinse with warm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Baking soda
First, pour one tablespoon of baking soda into a cup of warm water.
When it’s fully dissolved, submerge your Invisalign trays in the solution and let it soak for at least thirty minutes.
After you take them out, brush them thoroughly to remove any remaining plaque or residue.
Have any more questions on Invisalign clear aligner therapy?
Our smile expert at Chatham Orthodontics would be happy to answer them!
Dr. Barbara Fodero offers Invisalign clear aligner therapy for adults and teenagers in our Chatham orthodontic office.
Or:
- Call us: {{office1-phone}}
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Chatham Orthodontics is located in Chatham, NJ, and is proud to serve patients of surrounding areas, including Madison, Florham Park, Summit, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Livingston, Short Hills, Millburn, Maplewood, and Morristown.
