If you’re considering Invisalign, you might have one common question: Can you eat with Invisalign? Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign gives you the flexibility to eat whatever you want since aligners are removable. However, there are important care guidelines to follow to ensure your treatment progresses smoothly and your aligners stay in good condition.
In this guide, we’ll explain what foods are safe, what you should avoid, and how to eat with Invisalign while protecting your oral health and aligners.
Can You Eat with Invisalign Aligners In?
No, you should never eat while wearing Invisalign aligners.
Invisalign trays are made from thin, BPA-free plastic and are designed to gently move your teeth into alignment. Eating with Invisalign in place can:
- Warp or damaged aligners due to chewing pressure.
- Trap food particles, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Stain aligners, making them more noticeable.
To protect your aligners and oral health, always remove them before eating. The only exception is drinking plain water.
What Can You Eat with Invisalign?
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is that there are no food restrictions since aligners are removed before eating. However, choosing soft, teeth-friendly foods can make treatment more comfortable.
Best Foods for Invisalign Wearers
- Soft Fruits – Bananas, berries, peaches
- Cooked Vegetables – Steamed carrots, spinach, zucchini
- Dairy Products – Yogurt, cheese, soft cheeses
- Soft Proteins – Chicken, fish, tofu
- Soups and Broths – Easy to consume and nutritious
- Eggs – Scrambled, boiled, or poached
- Smoothies – Without a straw to prevent suction pressure
These foods are gentle on your teeth and reduce sensitivity, making them ideal during treatment. Just remember to brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners to prevent plaque buildup.
What Foods Should You Avoid with Invisalign?
Even though you can eat anything after removing Invisalign, some foods can affect your oral health and aligners.
Foods to Avoid While Wearing Invisalign
- Hard and Crunchy Foods – Nuts, hard candies, popcorn (can crack teeth and increase sensitivity).
- Sticky or Chewy Foods – Gum, caramel, taffy (can pull on teeth and cause cavities).
- Sugary and Acidic Foods – Soda, candy, citrus fruits (increase the risk of enamel erosion and decay).
- Dark Beverages – Coffee, tea, red wine (can stain aligners and teeth).
To protect your teeth and aligners, always brush and floss before putting Invisalign back in.
Can You Drink with Invisalign?
The only safe beverage to drink while wearing Invisalign is water. If you drink coffee, tea, soda, juice, or alcohol, remove your aligners first. These beverages contain sugars, acids, and dyes that can:
- Stain aligners, making them more visible.
- Trap bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities.
- Warp the plastic, affecting the fit of your aligners.
Drinking sugary or acidic beverages frequently can reduce your aligner wear time below the recommended 20–22 hours per day, potentially delaying treatment progress. Stick to water between meals!
How to Eat with Invisalign Without Damaging Your Aligners?
To ensure your Invisalign treatment stays on track, follow these expert tips:
- Always Remove Your Aligners Before Eating: Chewing with Invisalign can damage and stain aligners, leading to delays in treatment.
- Store Your Aligners in a Case While Eating: Leaving aligners on a napkin or table increases the risk of losing or damaging them. Always use a protective Invisalign case.
- Brush and Floss Before Reinserting Invisalign: Leftover food particles can lead to cavities, bad breath, and aligner staining. If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water before putting the aligners back in.
- Stick to a Balanced, Teeth-Friendly Diet: Eating nutrient-rich foods supports healthy gums and teeth, making your Invisalign treatment more effective.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated reduces bacteria buildup and keeps your mouth feeling fresh while wearing aligners.
How Long Can You Keep Invisalign Out While Eating?
For the best results, you should wear Invisalign for 20–22 hours per day. This means you have about 2–4 hours daily for eating and drinking, brushing and flossing, and social situations where aligners may be removed.
To stay on track:
🔹 Keep meals to 30 minutes or less.
🔹 Avoid frequent snacking to minimize aligner removal.
🔹 Brush and reinsert aligners as soon as possible after eating.
Skipping meals or leaving aligners out for too long can delay your treatment progress.
FAQs: Can You Eat with Invisalign?
Can I Eat Pizza with Invisalign?
Yes, but only after removing your aligners. Pizza often has chewy crusts, acidic tomato sauce, and greasy toppings, so make sure to brush your teeth before reinserting Invisalign.
Do I Have to Brush My Teeth After Every Meal?
Brushing and flossing after every meal and snack helps prevent plaque buildup, bad breath, and staining. If brushing isn’t possible, rinse with water or mouthwash before putting the aligners back in.
Why Can’t You Chew Gum with Invisalign?
Chewing gum can stick to aligners, warp the plastic, and increase the risk of cavities. If you need fresh breath, opt for sugar-free mints that dissolve quickly instead.
Can I Drink with a Straw While Wearing Invisalign?
While a straw reduces direct contact, it does not prevent staining or sugar buildup. It’s best to remove your aligners before drinking anything other than water.
Takeaway
One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is the ability to eat whatever you like—just remove your aligners before meals and maintain good oral hygiene. By following proper care instructions, you can enjoy your favorite foods while ensuring a smooth and successful Invisalign treatment.
Start Your Invisalign Journey with A Dental Care!
At A Dental Care, we offer expert Invisalign treatment to help you achieve a healthier, straighter smile. Whether you’re starting treatment or need guidance on eating with aligners, our team is here to help.
Call us at 281-214-9667 to book your consultation today!
Bibliography & Sources
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) – Eating with Invisalign Guidelines
https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/aligners/
Mayo Clinic – Oral Hygiene & Dental Health
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
Colgate Oral Care Center – Best Foods for Oral Health
WebMD – Can You Eat with Invisalign?
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/invisalign
Invisalign Official Site – Invisalign Care & Maintenance
