Eating with Invisalign: Tips for Enjoying Meals Without Interrupting Treatment
Millbrae, CA

You’re enjoying a sumptuous dinner with your friends, and the conversations just keep flowing. Suddenly, it strikes you: your aligners are still in it. Do you sneak a bite? Head to wash your hands? Or just freak out? Most importantly, if you’ve chosen Invisalign to straighten your smile (great choice, by the way), you already know that it is generally discreet, comfortable, and convenient. But at meal times, things tend to get a little complicated.

But don’t worry, because with just a few smart strategies, you can really savor every last bite without a hitch in your treatment. Learn the basics of eating with Invisalign and understand how to keep your stomach and your smile happy.

Why You Shouldn’t Eat with Aligners In?

Invisalign aligns the teeth and gently shifts them. Eating with them makes plastic warp and get stuck between food particles, where it becomes discolored—not precisely what you have in mind.

It may also create pressure points of food that get stuck between your teeth and your trays: ingredients to irritation and, worse, cavities.

The bottom line is to remove these before every meal or snack. Always.

Tip #1: Stick to a Meal Schedule

Invisalign works best when you wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. That means you only have a small window for eating and drinking anything besides water.

Consolidate your eating into main courses instead of grazing throughout the day.

Plan on:

• Three main meals
• One or two quick snack breaks

You can also set reminders on your phone or use the Invisalign app to follow wear time. This will help you avoid unnecessary tray removals and keep your commitment to your treatment.

Tip #2: Always Remove Your Aligners Before Eating

This is a must for eating with Invisalign. Even if you’re just having a cracker or two. One final concession: Take them out.

Pro tip: At all times, keep a close, hard case around you. Throwing in your aligners in a napkin? That’s a speedy journey to throwing them accidentally away. (It happens more than you’d think.)

In public? Be discreet but confident. One quick trip to the restroom or one clever move at the table can make it feel effortless.

Tip #3: Brush (or Rinse!) Before Reinserting 

This is very important: Do not return your aligners after eating without cleaning them.

• All stored food and sugar will be trapped under your aligners during the day, eventually leading to plaque build-up and bad breath. 
• If you’re at home, you can brush and floss. 
• If you’re out of the house, at least rinse your mouth and trays with water or a travel-friendly antimicrobial rinse. 
• And don’t forget to clean your aligners every day using an Invisalign cleaning system or a gentle soak in clear unscented soap and water. 

Tip #4: Identify Foods that are Teeth-Friendly for Invisalign 

Your teeth may feel a little sensitive once you switch to the next tray. Well, that is totally expected. 

The best softer choices include the following: 

• Mashed potatoes 
• Yogurt 
• Pasta 
• Smoothies 

Avoid sticky, sugary snacks that lurk on teeth or are tough to clean off. And when you’re not eating, water is your best friend. It keeps your mouth clean and helps with soreness.

Eating with Invisalign is not tough- it is just a matter of planning. Once you get the hang of your routine and develop a little sensitivity toward others, meals will surely become a breeze for you, and you will remain perfectly on track.
Remember, you are one step closer to a straighter, healthier smile whenever you are good and keep the rules. And believe us- it will be worth every single bite.