Dear Orthodontist, What Can I Eat and Drink With Invisalign?

Traditional braces are notorious for the food and drink restrictions that they come with. Because all sorts of things can get stuck in all those brackets and wires, they put you on an involuntary diet. But there is good news! Not all orthodontic treatments require that you quit eating popcorn, taffy, and all the other treats that let you enjoy life. Invisalign from your Coatesville orthodontist allows you to eat and drink almost anything you want while you’re getting your teeth straightened.

Invisalign Aligners Are Removable

One of the best things about Invisalign is that the aligners are easy to remove. Therefore, you can simply pop them out while you’re enjoying a meal and replace them when you’re done eating. No dietary restrictions! However, there are a couple of points to keep in mind that will help you maintain good oral hygiene while you’re undergoing treatment:

• It’s wise to brush your teeth soon after each meal. You don’t want little food particles to get stuck between your teeth and your clear aligners. If you can’t brush, at least be sure to rinse your mouth with water.
• You need to keep your aligners clean. This isn’t complicated or time-consuming; you can use the cleaning kit that came with Invisalign or just use toothpaste and your toothbrush. Keeping your aligners free of harmful particles and bacteria will protect your teeth from decay.

What About Eating and Drinking Without Taking Invisalign Out?

It might seem a bit inconvenient to take your aligners out every time you want to have a light snack, but it’s generally best not to eat anything while you’re wearing Invisalign. The aligners are pretty tough, but you don’t want to accidentally warp them when you’re chewing.

It’s pretty safe to drink water while you’re wearing your aligners, but try not to consume any hot, acidic, or sugary beverages without removing them. Hot liquids might warp Invisalign, and acidic or sugary beverages might seep between the plastic aligners and your teeth. You don’t want that icky stuff trapped next to your pearly whites for hours on end — that’s a recipe for tooth decay!

What Else Should I Know About Living with Invisalign?

Living with Invisalign is easy! Here are a few more tips to help you make the most of your treatment:

• Be sure to remove your aligners and brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Cleaning your mouth should get easier and easier as Invisalign moves your pearly whites into their proper positions.
• Don’t forget to put your aligners back in after you eat; ideally, you should wear them for 20 to 22 hours each day.
• If you forget to take your aligner out while you’re eating or drinking and accidentally damage it, call your orthodontist in Coatesville as soon as you can. They’re always ready and willing to help.

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your favorite foods and drinks while you’re getting your teeth straightened. Why not ask your orthodontist is Invisalign is right for you?

About the Orthodontist

Dr. Ronni Bruck is proud to be the orthodontist at Chester County Dental Arts. Working along with Dr. Simeone and the rest of our team, she helps patients achieve healthier, more beautiful smiles with Invisalign. If you’re dealing with crooked teeth and are ready for a change, please contact our office at 610-383-1600.