Invisalign: Foods and Drinks to Avoid

In this day and age, there are more options other than traditional braces for straightening the teeth. Over time, dental technology has improved greatly with things like aligners as an alternative to braces. Aligners are created in a variety of forms but one of the most popular methods is the use of Invisalign.

Invisalign are clear aligners that are changed out every two weeks or so. They work to straighten all of the teeth together as one, instead of braces where the wiring and brackets straighten each tooth individually.

Knowing what foods and beverages to avoid with Invisalign can be helpful to a person that has them. While a person may not be as restricted with their food and beverage intake, there are still certain things that may be best to avoid. Today we will discuss what to avoid when using Invisalign.

Foods and beverages to avoid

Chewy foods

Foods that are especially chewy or sticky may be best to avoid. The substance can cause damage to the Invisalign itself which could halt the process of straightening the teeth. Invisalign is not a cheap form of dental care so it’s best to avoid anything chewy that might cause damage to it. Gums, taffy or jerkies are all considered chewy and they are best to avoid if possible.

Hard foods or candies

Just like with chewy foods, hard foods are also best to avoid because they can cause severe damage to the Invisalign. Candies that are too hard may crack or chip the Invisalign which would again require replacing. It is also advised to avoid meats that may have bones in them because accidentally biting down on the bone could cause damage to the Invisalign as well.

Coffees, teas and wines

While coffees, teas and wines are also harmful to the teeth itself, they also put Invisalign at risk because of staining. These drinks are all high in dyes and can cause a change in color to almost any surface that they touch. If they stain the Invisalign it may cause it to look dirty, thus causing the teeth to look darker than they might actually be.

Conclusion

Invisalign can offer a person a way to straighten their teeth with way less of a commitment than that of braces. They are not only more aesthetically pleasing but they also are easier to manage. Although they can be on the pricier side, if one maintains them responsibly then they have no need to worry about the costs of replacing them. Avoiding these specific foods and beverages for a short time when using Invisalign can be extremely beneficial in the long run.

If you have questions or concerns about Invisalign, then reach out to our office today. Our trained office staff can help guide you through what’s okay to eat and what’s best to avoid. We’re happy to help in any way that we can!

Request an appointment here: or call John M. Chaves, DDS at (818) 999-2707 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign Orthodontist.