Eating with Invisalign: Here is What You Should Know

Many people choose Invisalign over traditional braces as a discreet and convenient way to straighten their teeth. Invisalign aligners are clear, removable trays that gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. While they can offer numerous benefits over traditional braces, one question that often arises is how to manage eating with Invisalign.

Thanks to their removable nature, these aligners can be removed before eating, but it’s still important to follow some steps to ensure you sufficiently care for your teeth.

What is Invisalign?

Before getting into the details of eating with Invisalign, let’s better understand what Invisalign is and how it works.

Invisalign involves a series of custom-made, clear aligners worn over your teeth. These aligners are designed to gently apply pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them into better positions. Following a personalised treatment plan, you will typically switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks, each slightly adjusted to continue the straightening process.

One of the key advantages of Invisalign is its virtually invisible appearance, making it a popular choice for individuals who prefer a discreet solution. Unlike traditional braces, there are no metal wires or brackets, which can also have benefits when eating with the aligners.

Benefits of eating with Invisalign

Eating with Invisalign may require adjustments to your daily routine, but it has some benefits over traditional braces. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign lets you enjoy your favourite foods without worrying about damage or food getting stuck in wires and brackets. It promotes improved oral hygiene since you can easily remove the aligners before meals, reducing the risk of dental concerns such as cavities and gum health issues.

The convenience of removing your aligners for eating and special occasions also adds flexibility and ease to your teeth-straightening journey. You won’t have to worry about the inconvenience of traditional braces when it comes to mealtime or snacking, simply removing your aligners beforehand.

How to eat with Invisalign

When it comes to eating properly while following your Invisalign plan, you can receive personalised guidance from one of our experienced dentists at FY Smile. For now, here are some general instructions on how to manage eating while undergoing your treatment.

1. Remove your aligners before eating

The first and most crucial step to eating with Invisalign is to remove your aligners before consuming any food or beverages. Invisalign aligners should only be in your mouth when you’re not eating or drinking anything besides water. Food particles and beverages can stain, warp, or damage the aligners, affecting their fit and efficacy.

To remove your aligners, use your fingers to gently push them away from your teeth, starting at the back and working your way forward. Be careful not to use excessive force, which can damage the aligners. Once they are removed, store them in their protective case to prevent loss or damage. Your dentist can show you how to properly remove your aligners in person, before heading home to follow your treatment plan.

2. Brush and floss after each meal

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment, especially after meals. Food particles can get trapped between your teeth and the aligners, increasing the risk of dental issues. To prevent this, make it a habit to brush and floss your teeth after every meal and snack before reinserting your aligners.

Carrying a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste with you can be helpful. If brushing isn’t possible, rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water can temporarily remove food debris until you can brush and floss properly.

3. For general dental health, avoid certain foods

To best support your dental health throughout your Invisalign journey, you should be careful about what you eat and drink or, more importantly, how often you consume certain foods.

To protect your teeth, avoid or limit overly sugary, acidic, or sticky foods. Sugary foods can promote tooth decay, acidic foods can erode tooth enamel, and sticky foods tend to cling to your teeth, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Foods and beverages like lollies, soft drinks, and citrus fruits should be consumed in moderation. It’s also essential to practice good oral hygiene after consuming these foods or beverages to minimise potential damage to your teeth.

4. Drink water frequently

Drinking water helps wash away food particles and dilutes acids and sugars that can lead to tooth decay and aligner staining. We recommend keeping a glass of water next to every meal and snack and carrying a water bottle when you’re on the go.

5. Plan your meals and snacks in advance

When undergoing treatment with Invisalign, you can benefit from a bit of planning when it comes to meals and snacks. For your convenience, plan when you’ll be having your meals and snacks so that you can be prepared for how often you need to remove your aligners and clean your teeth. This simplifies your routine and helps you get organised when finding time to clean your teeth before re-applying your aligners.

FY Smile in Double Bay

At FY Smile, we take a highly personalised approach to Invisalign, from planning your treatment to providing advice that can help you manage your dental routine while undergoing your treatment.

For more information on Invisalign, including how to care for your teeth throughout the treatment, please contact our team. If you’re just learning about Invisalign and are interested in starting a treatment, you are welcome to book your consultation at our Double Bay clinic.