Invisalign is a popular way to straighten teeth. Invisalign in Coquitlam is different from metal braces because they can be removed while eating or drinking. But does that mean you can eat anything you want? Let’s find out.
Can You Eat With Invisalign On?
The answer is no. The aligners are made of a special plastic material which is not suitable for chewing food. Eating with Invisalign on can:
- Damage the aligners: Hard or sticky foods can break or bend the aligners.
- Trap food inside: Tiny food particles can really get stuck and increase the risk of cavities.
- Cause stains: Coloured food and drinks can lead to stains on the teeth, making them appear dirty.
To keep your Invisalign clear and working well, always take them out before eating.
What Happens If You Eat With Invisalign?
If you eat while wearing Invisalign, several problems can occur:
- The aligners may break: Invisalign is strong, but it is not made to handle chewing pressure.
- Food can get stuck: It leads to plaque buildup and tooth decay.
- Your breath might smell bad: As food gets trapped in and decays, it results in bad breath.
- Treatment will take a longer time: When the aligners are broken, they may not be able to move your teeth as they planned.
To avoid these issues, always remove your Invisalign aligners before eating.
What Can You Eat With Invisalign?
Therefore, since you remove Invisalign before eating, it means you will be able to eat most foods, though there are some that are better for your oral health than others.
Best Foods to Eat
✔ Soft foods: Like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies, are gentle on the teeth.
✔ Fruits and vegetables: These help to keep the teeth and gums healthy.
✔ Lean proteins: Chicken, fish, and eggs are important for healthy, strong teeth.
Foods to Avoid
✖ Sugary snacks: Candy and soda can increase the risk of cavities.
✖ Hard foods: Nuts and ice cubes can damage teeth.
✖ Sticky foods: Gum and caramel can be hard to clean from teeth.
Eating a balanced diet helps keep your teeth strong while wearing Invisalign.
Do I Have to Brush My Teeth Every Time I Eat With Invisalign?
Yes! Brushing after eating is very important with Invisalign. When you put the aligners back in after eating, food and bacteria can get trapped against your teeth. This can lead to:
- Plaque buildup: Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that can cause cavities.
- Gum disease: Food left on teeth can cause gums to become swollen or bleed.
- Bad breath: Leftover food can create a bad smell inside your mouth.
How to Keep Your Teeth Clean With Invisalign?
✔ Brush after every meal: Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
✔Floss daily: This removes food stuck between teeth.
✔ Rinse with water: If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth before putting Invisalign back in.
✔ Clean your aligners: Use Invisalign cleaner or mild soap to remove bacteria.
Good oral hygiene will help keep your teeth and Invisalign in great condition.
Can You Drink Anything With Invisalign?
Water is the only safe drink while wearing Invisalign. Other drinks, like coffee, soda, or juice, can stain the aligners and cause tooth decay. Always remove your aligners before drinking anything other than water.
Final Thoughts
With Invisalign, you can enjoy your favourite foods, but you must take care of your teeth. Always remove your aligners before eating, brush after every meal, and clean your aligners properly. This will help to keep your treatment on track and your teeth healthy.
Smile Bright With Invisalign!
At Dr. Ross Dental, we help patients achieve straight and healthy smiles with Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign is a comfortable and removable option for teeth straightening. Unlike traditional braces, there are no metal wires or brackets. Our team of dentist in Coquitlam provides personalized care to ensure the optimal results for your smile from the treatment.
Start your journey to a perfect smile today! Book your Invisalign consultation with Dr. Ross Dental.