Among the many benefits of Invisalign, the ability to remove your aligners and eat whatever you want is perhaps the most popular.
Unlike traditional metal braces, you don’t need to alter your diet while using Invisalign. There’s no need to worry about food becoming lodged in a bracket or damaging the rubber bands or wires that hold metal braces together.
However, there are some rules around eating during Invisalign treatment you’ll need to follow, and in this post, we explain all.
But first, a common question: Do I need to take my aligners out to eat?
Answer: Yes, you need to take out your aligners while eating.
Your teeth can be powerful, designed to tear and grind food into small, swallowable chunks. If you’ve ever accidentally bitten your tongue, you’ll know just how strong your teeth can be.
So, with that in mind, avoid all temptation to snack with your aligners in. The force involved in biting and chewing can crack and damage the plastic, setting your treatment back. Always take your aligners out before eating. Always.
4 simple rules for eating during Invisalign treatment
1. Plan your mealtimes – and your menu
To see real teeth straightening progress, you need to wear Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours a day. Unfortunately, this means there’s only a small window each day for eating, so plan your mealtimes accordingly.
For example, if you know you’re dining out at a restaurant in the evening, try to keep breakfast and lunch brief to make sure you’re hitting that minimum of 20 hours of daily wear.
And remember, just because you can remove Invisalign to eat whatever you want, it doesn’t mean you’ve got a free pass to devour packets of sugary sweets washed down with fizzy drinks. Instead, try to prioritise fibre-rich fruits and vegetables to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy throughout your treatment (and beyond).
Note: Fibre-rich foods can also leave you feeling fuller for longer, meaning you’re less likely to snack in between meals. A happy side effect of Invisalign is that many people report a small amount of weight loss during their treatment by simply practising healthy eating habits.
2. Always put your aligners in their case before you eat
Get into the routine of putting your aligners in their case whenever you’re eating – whether you’re at home or out and about.
The last thing you want to do is shove them in your pocket (where they’ll get dirty or misshapen) or wrap them in a napkin (where they can quite easily end up in the bin).
Losing or damaging your aligners will mean paying for replacements, and the time it takes to get you fitted with new ones can delay your treatment.
3. Cut back on the coffee
If you’re an avid coffee drinker, you might need to wean yourself off the java while using Invisalign. One or two cups in the morning with breakfast is usually fine, but if you’re prone to sipping lattes throughout the day, you could quickly discolour your aligners.
The same goes for fizzy drinks and red wine; keep those for mealtimes only. Anything that stains the clear plastic will make your teeth appear dull and yellow from a distance (the complete opposite effect many people want from these discreet aligners).
So, if you’re thirsty while wearing your aligners, make sure water is the only drink allowed past your lips.
4. Brush between meals (even when you’re eating out)
Invisalign aligners are designed to fit snugly on your teeth, and with good reason. The gentle force this places on your teeth moves them slowly but surely into the desired position.
However, being so close to your teeth can have its downsides. If any food particles or bacteria are lingering on your teeth when you put your aligners back in, it could increase the risk of tooth decay or cavities.
So, whenever you’re finished eating, always remember to brush your teeth – even if you’re dining out at a restaurant. We recommend making a travel-sized toothbrush your trusty companion throughout your treatment.
Note: If you forget your toothbrush, chewing sugar-free gum after a meal is a good stopgap. Just make sure you brush thoroughly (and floss!) when you get home.
