Foods you can and cannot eat with Invisalign
It’s no secret that Invisalign appliances can be a bit fussy regarding the types of food you can and cannot eat. If you’re not sure what’s safe to chew on, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Here is a list of some common foods that you can and cannot eat with your Invisalign trays.
Foods You Can Eat
Mildly Chewy Foods
You can also enjoy eating certain types of chewy foods, such as soft bread, rice, and cooked cereals. Just be sure to avoid anything that’s too tough or sticky, as this can cause your Invisalign trays to come loose.
Warm Foods
Most of the warm foods that you enjoy eating are perfectly safe to eat with Invisalign, as long as they’re not too hot. Things like pizza, pasta, soup, and oatmeal are all great options. Just be sure to let your food cool down a bit before taking a bite, as hot foods can potentially warp your Invisalign trays.
Cold Foods
Many cold foods are also safe to eat with Invisalign, such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and ice cream. These foods will not damage your appliances, and they can actually help to keep your mouth cool and comfortable.
Smoothies and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Smoothies, juices, and other non-alcoholic drinks are all perfectly safe to consume with Invisalign. Just be sure to drink them through a straw, as this will help to avoid staining your appliances. But, if you do happen to get a little bit of liquid on your trays, simply rinse them off with water.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are great for your teeth, and they’re perfectly safe to eat with Invisalign. However, it’s important to cut them into small pieces before eating, as this will help to avoid damaging your appliances. Fruit salads, vegetable soup, and bite-sized pieces of fruit are all great options.
Foods to Avoid
Sticky Foods
There are a few different types of sticky foods that you’ll want to avoid while wearing Invisalign. First, anything excessively chewy – think taffy, caramels, or gum – can cause your aligners to warp out of shape. Additionally, sugary and acidic foods can cause plaque build-up on your teeth, leading to cavities. So, while wearing Invisalign, it’s best to avoid sticky sweets like candy and cake.
Chewy Foods
In general, it’s best to avoid chewy foods while wearing Invisalign. This is because they can cause the aligners to bend or warp out of shape. If you’re going to eat chewy food, cut it into small pieces first. You would not want to damage your Invisalign, as the Invisalign cost is worth keeping it safe.
Hard Foods
You’ll also want to avoid hard foods while you’re wearing Invisalign. This is because hard foods can crack or break your aligners. Other hard foods to avoid include ice, which can crack your aligners, and hard pretzels, which can break them. If you’re craving something crunchy, try eating a soft vegetable like celery or carrots.
Specific Drinks to Avoid
There are a few specific drinks that you’ll want to avoid while wearing Invisalign. First, sugary drinks like soda can cause cavities. Additionally, coffee and tea can stain your aligners. So, if you’re going to drink either of these beverages, be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
Finally, alcohol can dry out your mouth, leading to cavities. So, if you’re going to drink alcohol, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Stringy Meats
Stringy meats like chicken, turkey, and beef can get stuck in your aligners and be difficult to remove. Additionally, they can cause plaque build-up on your teeth. Also, avoid eating ribs or wings, as the bones can damage your aligners.
Hot Foods
Hot foods can damage your aligners. So, if you’re going to eat something hot, let it cool down first. Avoid eating soups or stews while wearing your aligners, as the hot liquids can damage them. If you’re craving something hot, try eating cold food with hot sauce instead.
In general, it’s best to avoid sugary, acidic, hot, stringy and chewy foods while wearing Invisalign. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If you’re not sure whether or not you should eat something, ask your orthodontist. They’ll be able to give you specific advice based on your case.