Invisalign in Whitestone

One of the greatest benefits associated with the Invisalign^® orthodontic system is that patients are not limited in terms of the foods and beverages they can consume while undergoing treatment. When patients undergo treatment with conventional metal braces, there are certain foods they must avoid, including popcorn, nuts, and other hard, chewy, and sticky foods. Because the clear plastic aligners used in the Invisalign^® treatment process are removable, they can enjoy these foods in moderation, as long as they brush and floss their teeth afterwards.

This does not mean that patients can eat whatever they want whenever they want when undergoing Invisalign^® treatment, however. There are guidelines that patients must follow when it comes to eating and drinking with Invisalign^®. During consultations at their Bayside-area orthodontics practice, Dr. Eleni Michailidis and Dr. Abraham Chahine discuss these guidelines in detail with prospective Invisalign^® patients so that they can make confident, educated decisions about whether to proceed with treatment.

Can you eat with your Invisalign^® trays in?

Although your Invisalign^® trays will be made of a durable plastic that is designed to withstand daily wear and tear for the approximately two weeks you will wear them, they are not invulnerable to breakage. Remember that the trays are also designed to be so thin that they fit comfortably in your mouth and are difficult for others to detect when you speak and smile. When you eat with your aligners in, you will risk cracking or otherwise damaging them.

On the other hand, some dental professionals suggest that eating soft foods with your aligners in is perfectly acceptable. Technically, you are unlikely to damage your aligners by eating soft foods while wearing them. However, Align, the company that manufactures Invisalign^®, advises against eating any type of food with the aligners in. This is for two reasons:

– Even if the aligners withstand the pressure of biting and chewing, they can become stained if not cleaned immediately after being exposed to food.
– The trays can trap the sugars and acids from foods, causing teeth to be exposed for prolonged periods before being cleaned, thus increasing the risk of enamel erosion and cavities.

Can you drink with your Invisalign^® trays in?

You can drink water with your Invisalign^® trays in, of course. You should be cautious about the other liquids you drink, however. The same issues that exist with foods also exist with liquids. Again, Invisalign^® trays can become stained, and exposing them to colored liquids can cause them to discolor just enough to be conspicuous against your white teeth. Even clear liquids, such as Sprite and 7-Up, can become trapped in your trays and harm your teeth. If you do consume beverages other than water with your Invisalign^® trays in, be sure to rinse your mouth and trays as soon as possible afterwards.

One important point to remember when wearing your Invisalign^® aligners is not to consume hot beverages such as coffee and tea. Aside from their being powerful staining agents, these beverages can also cause the plastic aligners to become distorted due to heat exposure. Always remove your trays before consuming hot liquids.

Important Tips for Eating and Drinking with Invisalign^®

To ensure the success of your Invisalign^® treatment, it is absolutely essential that you wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours every day. You should really remove them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Therefore, while you certainly can eat whatever you like during Invisalign^® treatment, you should plan your meals and snacks carefully so that you don’t have to remove your aligners more often than is necessary.

Also, you will want to exercise the same good judgment in the foods you eat that you would when not undergoing orthodontic treatment, avoiding overly sugary and acidic foods as much as possible. Be sure to brush and floss thoroughly after each meal and to clean your aligners as advised by our orthodontists.

Learn More about Eating and Drinking with Invisalign^®

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other orthodontic-related topics, feel free to contact Avenue Orthodontics by clicking here or by calling 516-484-0234 to reach our Roslyn office or 718-767-8400 to reach our Whitestone office.