What Food Can You Eat with Invisalign?

Getting a perfect smile with Invisalign is an exciting decision, but it often comes with questions about what food can you eat with Invisalign. 

One of the significant benefits of Invisalign is that it allows for more flexibility compared to traditional braces, especially when it comes to food choices. 

Unlike braces, which can trap food and require more restrictions, Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can enjoy a variety of foods without the same level of concern. 

However, to keep your aligners in top shape and ensure your treatment progresses smoothly, there are some guidelines you should follow.

Should I Change My Diet When Wearing Invisalign?

No, you should not change your diet when wearing Invisalign. Invisalign’s removable design provides a level of flexibility and convenience that traditional braces can’t offer. 

It allows patients to easily take out their aligners and enjoy their favorite foods without worrying about damaging the aligners or additional cleaning.

Though it's important to follow your dentist's guidelines, such as avoiding hard-to-eat foods like apples, crunchy snacks, popcorn kernels, nuts, and candy, a drastic diet change isn’t usually necessary with Invisalign—unless excessive sugar consumption poses a risk to your dental health. 

It’s always best to consult with your dentist about any potential changes to your eating habits to ensure they’re appropriate for your situation.

Can you Eat with Invisalign during the First Week of Treatment?

Of course you can eat! But keep in mind that the first week with your Invisalign aligners is really important as your teeth and gums begin to adjust to the new alignment and pressure. 

During this time, it's important to minimize discomfort by opting for soft foods and avoiding hard or chewy items as they might cause your teeth to move too much.

Here’s a list of foods that are ideal for the first week:

• Applesauce

• Chicken

• Cooked vegetables such as carrots and squash

• Fish

• Ice cream and milkshakes

• Mashed potatoes

• Oatmeal

• Scrambled eggs

• Smoothies

• Soft fruits

• Soup

• Tofu

• Yogurt

After the first week, you can gradually start eating more substantial foods. However, it's still best to avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods that could damage your aligners or become lodged in your teeth.

Some suitable options for the following weeks include:

• Baked or mashed potatoes

• Grilled chicken or fish

• Pasta with light-colored sauce

• Pudding

• Rice

You can also enjoy most raw fruits and vegetables, provided they are cut into small pieces. However, avoid hard fruits and vegetables like raw carrots and apples.

Which Foods Are Safe to Eat During Invisalign Treatment?

While Invisalign treatment doesn’t require a strict diet, it can still influence your eating habits. 

Even though you’ll remove your aligners before meals, it’s recommended to avoid hard or crunchy foods to prevent straining your teeth, which may be sensitive due to the aligners' adjustments. 

Instead, consider softer alternatives, such as:

• Applesauce

• Canned tuna or salmon

• Cooked vegetables

• Cold foods like ice cream

• Mashed potatoes

• Peanut butter

• Scrambled or soft-cooked eggs

• Seasoned fish

• Tender steak or chicken slices (cut into small pieces)

• Smoothies or shakes (without chunks or with chunks removed)

• Soft cheese

• Soft fruits

• Soft whole grains

• Squash

• Yogurt

Invisalign treatment shouldn’t drastically change your food choices. If you have any questions or concerns about what’s safe to eat during your treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist for personalized advice and guidance.

What Foods Should I Avoid during an Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment requires dedication and extra care, including being mindful of your diet and avoiding certain foods while wearing aligners.

Here’s a list of foods to avoid during Invisalign treatment:

• Acidic foods

• Chewy candy

• Sugary foods

• Crunchy foods and hard snacks

• Hard crackers and chips

• Crunchy fruits and vegetables

• Gum or bubble gum

• Hard bread and rolls

• Tough meats

• Hard taco shells

• Shellfish

• Hot beverages

• Liquids that can cause discoloration (curry sauce, soy sauce, tomato sauce)

• Sugary drinks

• Alcoholic drinks

• Ice cubes

You should also steer clear of sticky or chewy foods like candy bars, gum, caramel, and taffy, as they can adhere to your aligners and potentially cause them to become dislodged.  

So, if you’re one of those people that eases your anxiety with bubble gum, we’re sorry to answer your question “Can you chew gum with Invisalign?” with a strong “No”.

As well, try to refrain from very hot drinks while wearing your aligners. Extreme temperatures can potentially warp your aligners.

Can Eating Damage My Invisalign?

Eating can damage your Invisalign in many ways. The most problematic things that can happen during eating are:

• Staining:

Consuming foods or drinks with colorants, like coffee or pasta with tomato sauce, can cause your aligners to stain, affecting their transparency.

• Wear and tear:

Regular eating with your aligners in place can wear them down, leading to a poor fit and reduced effectiveness over time.

• Breakage of mechanical components:

If your treatment involves mechanical components such as clasps or buttons, eating can damage or break these parts, compromising the treatment.

• Plaque buildup:

Eating with aligners prevents saliva from naturally washing away bacteria, allowing food particles to get trapped in the aligners and promoting plaque buildup.

• Aligner damage:

Food can become lodged in, around, or under your aligners, causing damage that can be challenging to repair. Especially if harder food like nuts get stuck in them as they can stretch the aligners.

If you want to avoid the mentioned issues, always remove your aligners before eating. This helps reduce the risk of bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Should I Brush My Teeth After Every Meal With Invisalign?

Yes, it’s really important to floss and brush your teeth after every meal with Invisalign. Plaque and bacteria can build up on your teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

If you're using Invisalign, it's also important to clean your aligners regularly. You can do this by gently brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and liquid soap, or by rinsing them with lukewarm water. 

Make sure to clean your aligners at least once a day to remove any trapped food particles or bacteria.

Some people find it convenient to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with them when they're on the go, allowing them to brush after eating. Others prefer to eat at home, where they can easily brush their teeth right after meals.