Starting Invisalign is exciting, and we can’t wait to see your new smile take shape. But the little things are what will likely spark your questions. Can I have coffee in my aligners? How often should I clean my aligners? Is it OK to go to the movies after I’ve eaten? Invisalign lets you remove your aligners to eat or drink, but wearing them consistently and following a regular cleaning routine are equally important.
Here’s what to keep in mind about eating and drinking with Invisalign, plus tips to make day-to-day life a lot easier.
Always Remove Your Invisalign Aligners Before Eating
One rule is worth remembering: remove your Invisalign aligners before eating.
You shouldn’t eat while wearing Invisalign aligners. Munching on food can bend or crack the aligners, change their fit, and force food between your teeth and the aligners, making the trays harder to clean.
Before a meal:
- Wash or sanitize your hands
- Remove your aligners gently
- Place them in their protective case
- Enjoy your meal without the trays
- Brush and floss before putting them back in, whenever possible
It may feel like an extra step at first. After a little practice, it becomes part of your mealtime routine.
What Can You Drink With Invisalign?
Can I drink water with Invisalign? You can drink clear, cold, or room-temperature water while wearing your Invisalign trays. Can you drink coffee with Invisalign? When drinking coffee, tea, juice, or other beverages, remove your trays.
- Hot drinks can warp your trays, and coffee and tea can stain them.
- Sugary beverages can stain your teeth, and acidic drinks can erode your enamel.
So there’s no reason to give up your drinks during treatment! Just take your trays out, sip your drink, rinse out your mouth as you can, then put your trays back in.
Quick Reference: What Can You Eat and Drink With Invisalign?
| Food or drink | Can you have it with aligners in? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Plain, cool water | Yes | Drink normally |
| Coffee | No | Remove aligners first |
| Tea | No | Remove aligners first |
| Juice | No | Remove aligners first |
| Soft drinks | No | Remove aligners first |
| Hot drinks | No | Remove aligners first |
| Meals and snacks | No | Remove aligners before eating |
| Chewing gum | No | Remove aligners first |
When in doubt, take your aligners out before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Your dentist can also clarify any treatment-specific instructions.
Brush Your Teeth Before Putting Your Aligners Back In
Lunchtime is over; you slip your aligners back into place and walk into an interview. It’s easy, of course. But if food particles remain lodged between your teeth, you can trap them between the trays and your tooth surfaces.
This is why it is so important to clean your teeth before you put your aligners back in.
So how do you take care of your Invisalign attachments? Start with these simple steps!
- Brush your teeth: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth: Floss or use an interdental cleaner to remove food particles from areas your toothbrush may miss.
- Rinse your mouth: Rinse to clear away loose debris and toothpaste residue.
- Clean your aligners: Follow your dentist’s instructions for rinsing and cleaning the trays.
- Put your aligners back in: Make sure they are seated properly.
Can’t it wait? Think about popping your aligners in and heading to an appointment right after lunch. Sure, it’s more convenient. But if food particles are still trapped between your teeth, your trays press them against your teeth.
How Long Can You Leave Your Invisalign Aligners Out?
Treatments for Invisalign aligners generally include 20-22 hours of daily wear, according to your plan. Plan your meals, snacks, and cleaning so you can stick to your dentist’s recommended schedule.
A few habits can help:
- Don’t spread out your food and drinks over a long period of time.
- Put your aligners back in immediately after eating and brushing your teeth.
- Put your aligner case in your pocket or bag when you leave the house.
- Set a reminder to put your trays in.
- Follow the use recommendations your dentist provides; don’t guess.
If you regularly struggle to wear your aligners for the recommended time, tell your dentist. They can help you work out a routine that fits your day.
Can You Chew Gum or Eat Snacks With Invisalign?
Chewing gum may get caught in Invisalign, and if you are constantly snacking, you’ll remove your trays more often, which reminds you to brush your teeth before putting them back in!
You can eat your favorite foods at mealtimes by removing your aligners, but if you are like me and want a snack every couple of hours, plan your snacks to coincide with mealtimes.
What Others Don’t Tell You: Small Habits That Make Invisalign Easier
Most Invisalign “rules” are pretty straightforward: take your aligners out for meals, drink plain water when you’re wearing them, and brush and floss after eating before putting them back in. Those are definitely important. But a few other habits can make the Invisalign experience much easier.
Keep a Small Cleaning Kit with You
You won’t be at home all the time. Carrying a small bag with a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss, and your aligner case will help. That will keep you from tossing your aligner back in with food crumbs because you’re not home.
Don’t Wrap Your Aligners in a Napkin
It’s simple until you’re at a restaurant, chatting, and clearing the table. People can inadvertently toss napkin-wrapped aligners.
Always store the trays in your protective case whenever you take them out. A few seconds spent doing this can save a lot of hassle if you end up losing a tray.
Pay Attention to Attachments
Certain Invisalign treatments include small, tooth-colored attachments to help guide your teeth’s movement. It can be difficult to clean debris and plaque from around these attachments be sure to brush thoroughly.
If you have attachments, our guide to Invisalign attachments explains why they are used and what to expect during treatment.
Learn more in our blog:
Keep Your Case Clean, Too
Your aligner case is part of your daily oral health care. Rinse and clean it as advised and keep it dry as you prep your trays. A soggy, dirty case isn’t ideal for something that will go right back in your mouth!
Small changes like these are simple but effective, and they can actually make you feel more in control and positive while you’re going through treatment.
Eating Out With Invisalign: A Few Practical Tips
- Take your aligners out before eating and store them in their case.
- Brush and Floss after eating, before putting your trays back in, if possible.
- Rinse with water if brushing isn’t possible right away; then brush your teeth as quickly as you can.
- Use a clean, carry-a-long cleaning kit and make time in your schedule to reinsert your aligners.
What Happens If You Accidentally Eat or Drink With Your Aligners In?
You may have a sip of joe without even having to think about it, leave your trays in before a snack, or notice halfway through your meal that your aligners still are.
Don’t freak out over one mistake.
Take out your aligners, clean them with cold or lukewarm water, and brush your teeth before putting them back in. Inspect the trays for cracks, tears, or dents.
If your aligners seem deformed, have cracks, or no longer fit well, contact your dentist. Never attempt to reshape them by boiling them in hot water or pushing them onto your teeth.
If you eat or drink something sweet or acidic while wearing your aligners, rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth when you can.
Common Invisalign Eating and Drinking Mistakes to Avoid
Even when you know the rules, it’s easy to fall into habits that will disrupt your schedule.
Watch out for these common mistakes:
- Aligner with your coffee
- Eating while you have your aligners in
- Replacing aligners over unclean teeth
- Taking longer breaks out of your aligners
- Cleaning them with hot water
- Wrapping up aligners with tissues or napkins
- Not cleaning your aligners daily
If you slip up, keep trying and ask your dentist if you are confused about what to do next.
Make Your Invisalign Routine Easier With AZ Dentistry
Moving to the next Invisalign trays isn’t the only part of Invisalign treatment. Your everyday routine – including how you eat and how you take care of your teeth – has an impact on your results as well.
Feeling overwhelmed? That’s okay. You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself, your dentist can show you how everything should look, answer your questions, see how you’re getting along, and provide the support you need to tackle the practical aspects of treatment.
Understanding Invisalign in Gilbert, AZ with AZ Dentistry If you are considering or already have Invisalign, AZ Dentistry can clarify your treatment options and what to expect. If you’re considering clear aligners, you can learn more about our Invisalign treatment options or read Get the Scoop on Invisalign: Is It Right for You?.
Have questions about eating, drinking, or caring for your aligners? Bring them to your consultation. A little guidance can make the whole experience feel much more manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brush before reinserting your aligners whenever possible. Floss to remove food particles between your teeth. If you do not have time to brush, rinse your mouth with water and clean your teeth as soon as possible.
Most Invisalign treatment plans suggest wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Your dentist will specify the timings for your case, so follow those directions instead of a general rule.
Take off your aligners, then rinse your mouth and brush your teeth when you can. Also wash out your trays. If you see damage or the aligners no longer fit, call your dentist.
