5 Tips for Eating and Drinking with Invisalign

When you have Invisalign, you know the one big rule is that you have to take your aligners out before you eat and before you drink anything else except water. But there’s more to know when it comes to eating and drinking with Invisalign if you truly want the process to work and don’t want to damage your mouth and teeth.

If you’re new to the Invisalign game or want to know what to expect before you sign on, check out these five tips for eating and drinking with Invisalign.

1. Rinse Your Aligners After Taking Them Out

Once you’ve taken your aligners out to eat or drink you should rinse them before putting them back in. By rinsing them with lukewarm water you are helping to avoid bacteria from building up. 

If bacteria start to breed, it can cause discoloration, bad breath, cavities, and even gum disease. Rinsing your aligners is a quick and easy way to prevent this from happening.

2. Brush and Floss After Every Meal

When you have Invisalign, you’ll learn that your toothbrush will become your new best friend. It’s so important to brush and floss after every meal. If you put your aligners back in your mouth with food stuck in your teeth, it can increase your risk of getting cavities or gum disease. 

Since your aligners are right on top of your teeth, they can trap in food and other debris if they’re left behind. Since brushing after every meal is a must, you’ll want to invest in a travel toothbrush and some toothpaste so you can brush on the go.

3. Don’t Eat Damaging Foods

Although you don’t eat with your aligners in your mouth, what you choose to eat can damage any Invisalign attachments you have in your mouth. Anything hard, sticky, or exceptionally crunchy are big no-nos with Invisalign. These types of foods can pop attachments out of place and result in an unwanted trip to the orthodontist’s office. 

4. Minimize Coffee Consumption

You don’t have to quit coffee cold turkey when you get Invisalign, but you should reduce your intake. Since aligners have to be worn 20-22 hours a day, you can’t sip your coffee all morning. You’ll want to have a cup, then brush your teeth right away. This will reduce the possibility of coffee staining your teeth and your aligners. Plus, it will give you more “off-time” later in the day to enjoy a few meals.

5. Always Put Your Aligners in Their Case

When you take your aligners out to eat or drink, always store them in your case. If you get into the habit of wrapping them in a napkin or tissue, there’s a good chance you’ll forget about them and accidentally toss them in the trash. This will prolong your treatment and become a nuisance. Always have your case with you if you’re going out so you can put them in easily when you need to.

By following these five simple tips for eating and drinking with Invisalign, you’ll make your life easier and keep your treatment on track. 

Do You Have Questions about Invisalign?

If you have questions about Invisalign, the team at Mint Leaf Dentistry is here to answer them. Call us today at  919-330-1710 to let us help!