Invisalign aligners are clear, removable, and highly effective, but following specific care guidelines is essential for treatment success. One of the most important rules is to always remove your aligners before eating.
Eating with the trays in place can damage the aligners, trap food debris, cause stains, and create unpleasant odours — all of which can compromise your results and harm your dental health. Understanding why it is important to remove your aligners before meals helps protect your treatment investment and achieve the best possible outcome.
Here is the Quick Answer:
No, you should not eat while wearing Invisalign aligners. Chewing can damage the trays and trap food against your teeth, causing stains, odours, and decay. Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water, and brush your teeth before reinserting them. This protects your aligners and keeps your treatment on track.
How Invisalign Works and Why It Matters
Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually shift teeth into the correct position. Gentle, continuous pressure moves the teeth over time, with new aligners introduced at regular intervals. This approach achieves a straighter smile without traditional metal brackets or wires, making it a popular choice for modern orthodontic treatment.
A major advantage of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. This flexibility allows patients to eat, drink, brush, and floss more easily than with braces, promoting better oral hygiene. The aligners are also nearly invisible and made from smooth plastic, which helps reduce irritation to the cheeks and gums.
For the best results, patients must wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only for meals and oral care. Consistent use and good hygiene practices are essential for achieving the desired outcome.
Can you eat with Invisalign aligners on?
No, you should not eat while wearing your Invisalign trays. The aligners are not designed to withstand the pressure from chewing and can easily crack, bend, or become discoloured.
Eating with the aligners in place can also trap food particles against your teeth, leading to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and bad breath, which may harm your treatment progress.
To protect your aligners and oral health, always remove them before eating. After meals, brush your teeth thoroughly before reinserting the trays to maintain cleanliness and prevent bacteria buildup.
What happens if you eat with Invisalign in?
Eating while wearing Invisalign aligners can lead to several problems that may affect your treatment success:
Damaging Your Aligners
Chewing applies pressure that can crack, bend, or warp the aligners. Damaged trays may no longer fit properly, delaying your progress and possibly requiring costly replacements.
Bacteria Buildup and Oral Health Issues
Food trapped between your teeth and the aligners creates a moist environment ideal for bacterial growth. This increases the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, gum disease, and bad breath during your treatment.
Staining and Discolouration Risks
Foods and drinks like curries, coffee, tea, and red wine can permanently stain the clear plastic. Smoking can also discolour and warp the aligners, making them more visible.
The Cost of Damaged Aligners
If aligners are cracked, severely stained, or warped, they often need to be replaced. This can result in unexpected expenses and extend your overall treatment timeline.
Drinking with Invisalign Aligners On
When wearing Invisalign aligners, only drink plain, cool water. Water will not damage or stain the trays and helps keep your mouth hydrated.
Avoid drinking hot beverages like coffee or tea while wearing aligners. Heat can warp the plastic, altering the fit and reducing treatment effectiveness. Similarly, coloured and sugary drinks such as soda, juice, wine, and sports drinks can stain the aligners and increase the risk of tooth decay.
The safest approach is to remove your aligners before drinking anything other than water. After consuming other beverages, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth before reinserting your trays. This helps protect both your aligners and your oral health during treatment.
Best Practices for Eating During Invisalign Treatment
Developing smart eating habits is important for maintaining your progress during Invisalign treatment. Good habits help protect your teeth, your aligners, and your overall treatment timeline.
Plan Meals to Limit Aligner Removal
Try to plan your meals to reduce how often you remove and reinsert your aligners throughout the day. Minimizing unnecessary removal helps prevent loss, damage, or contamination of the trays and supports the goal of wearing them for 20–22 hours daily.
Brush and Floss After Eating
Always brush and floss after eating before putting your aligners back in. Leaving food on your teeth can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and bad breath. Even after snacks, a quick clean protects both your teeth and your aligners.
Keep a Travel Oral Hygiene Kit
Carry a small kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and your aligner case wherever you go. Having these essentials available allows you to maintain good hygiene practices even on a busy day. For more tips, review our oral hygiene tips for Invisalign users.
Foods to Avoid During Invisalign Treatment
When using Invisalign, the main rule is to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. However, certain foods can still increase the risk of dental problems if consumed without proper oral care.
Here are foods to avoid with Invisalign aligners:
✘ Sticky Foods (Gum, Caramel): Sticky foods cling to teeth and are difficult to clean off, promoting plaque buildup and increasing the risk of cavities. They can also leave residues that remain trapped under aligners if oral hygiene is not thorough.
✘ Hard Foods (Nuts, Hard Candy): Very hard foods can chip or crack your teeth, potentially disrupting your Invisalign progress and requiring additional dental treatment.
✘ Sugary Foods and Drinks: High-sugar foods and beverages promote decay by feeding bacteria on the teeth. If sugar remains on your teeth when you replace your aligners, it can lead to faster plaque buildup and cavity formation.
Aligner Care and Maintenance
Proper aligner care is essential for keeping your trays clear, clean, and effective throughout your Invisalign treatment.
Cleaning Invisalign Trays
Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water every time you remove them. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean them, removing food particles and plaque buildup. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and create tiny scratches that cause the aligners to look cloudy.
For deeper cleaning, use Invisalign cleaning crystals or a mild, clear cleanser designed for dental appliances. This helps eliminate bacteria without damaging the trays.
Storage Tips
Always store your aligners in their protective case when you remove them for meals, snacks, or brushing. Leaving them exposed increases the risk of contamination or accidental damage.
Avoid wrapping your aligners in napkins or paper towels, as they can be easily thrown away or crushed. Using the proper case keeps your aligners safe, clean, and ready for use.
Conclusion
When eating or drinking during Invisalign treatment, it is essential to remove your aligners first — except for drinking plain water. This simple habit helps prevent damage, staining, bacterial buildup, and delays in your treatment.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and following aligner care and maintenance guidelines are equally important. Always brush, floss, and clean your trays after every meal or snack to protect both your teeth and your aligners.
At Enhance Dental Centre, we support you throughout your Invisalign journey. Whether you are exploring Invisalign treatment options, learning about aligner care, or seeking advice on treatment best practices, our team offers comprehensive services to help you succeed.
Looking for orthodontic services in Vancouver? Contact Enhance Dental Centre today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward a confident, healthy smile!
