Discover the do’s and don’ts of eating, drinking, and chewing gum with Invisalign™ for a perfect smile!
Can you chew gum and blow bubbles with Invisalign™? What about coffee, can you drink your morning espresso or latte while using Invisalign™? What exactly can you eat with Invisalign™ on your teeth? What types of beverages can you drink with Invisalign™? All these questions are answered for you!
Can You Chew Gum with Invisalign™?
Chewing gum with Invisalign™ is not recommended as it can stick to the orthodontic appliance and get in the way of it working to align your teeth. Gum can distort the shape and leave a visible film on the clear trays. It can cost you more than you bargained for because you will need to get a new set of aligners. The sugar in gum also feeds harmful bacteria, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Alternatives to Gum
For fresh breath, think of popping a mint in your mouth instead or using an alcohol-free mouthwash. Drinking lots of water also helps keep your breath happy. It aids in the avoidance of dry mouth which leads to bad breath and further dental complications.
What Can You Eat with Invisalign™ On?
When it comes to eating, you should take your Invisalign™ out completely to avoid anything sticking to the clear aligners. If you happen to eat with Invisalign™ on, then try to refrain from:
- Really sticky, hard candies like jawbreakers, toffee, and caramels that stick to your appliance like crazy
- Extremely chewy foods like bagels that easily get stuck under your aligners
- Strongly pigmented foods like blueberries that discolour your aligners easily
This will help you avoid any sticky incidents with Invisalign™.
What Can You Drink with Invisalign™?
Thirsty? Just as you should take out your clear aligners when eating, you should do the same when drinking. This helps avoid damage or stains to your oral appliance. If you must drink with them in, then try to steer clear of:
- Hot drinks like hot chocolate as the heat causes the material to warp, rendering the appliance unworkable
- Juices made from highly pigmented fruits as the colours can stain your InvisalignÒ permanently
- Coffee since the heat distorts the clear trays and the colour stains them
Cleaning Invisalign™
When it comes time to take your Invisalign™ out, you need to clean them. Remember to repeat the process at least twice a day. It is always a good idea to rinse off your aligners when taking them in and out of your mouth to avoid bacteria.
- Step 1: Rinse – Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water to get anything on the surface off
- Step 2: Brush – Take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub your clear trays from dirt and grime stuck to them. You can use antibacterial soap with a little lukewarm water or use water with cleaning crystals made specifically for your dental appliance.
- Step 3: Dry – Dry off the aligners with a clean towel and either put them back in your mouth or a clean and dry, air-tight sealed case.
A good clean makes you feel refreshed, but also ensures no bad bacteria is getting in the way of your alignment process.
Why Invisalign™?
Many dentists recommend Invisalign™ if the treatment fits your situation. The multi-purpose orthodontic appliance can be used on those with positive oral health who just need a little help straightening, aligning, or closing gaps. Why else is Invisalign™ such a winner when it comes to choosing your dental treatment?
- Comfortable – You don’t need to wear any wires or brackets and can feel at ease with a smooth material that won’t rub and scratch your gums.
- Confidence – Invisalign™ gives you the confidence to smile bright. No one will even know you are wearing straighteners since they are transparent.
- Easier Diet – Though you still need to watch your diet when using Invisalign™, you can eat practically anything. This is because you can take the clear aligners out while consuming food and drink. As long as you wear your oral appliance for 22 hours a day, you’re still on your way to a smile that will please you.
Checking In
The question “Can you eat with Invisalign™ on?” is one we get often at Glenbrook Dental. As you now know, it is not recommended. Make it easier on yourself and take your aligners out completely to eat and drink, avoiding the complications that often come with traditional braces. For any dental questions, we are here to help and guide you on your way to a clean, clear, and aligned oral health routine. We suggest you come in for regular check-ups to make sure everything is on schedule and have any issues resolved quickly, and effectively. It’s time to make your way to that smile you deserve.