Can I Enjoy My Favorite Foods with Invisalign® Aligners?

Patients who wear traditional metal braces often look forward to the day they get their braces off — and the day they can start enjoying their favorite foods once again. Generally speaking, foods that are crunchy, sticky, gummy, or may damage wires and brackets and/or get stuck in braces should be avoided over the course of treatment. With Invisalign orthodontics, however, there's no need to change your diet. Since Invisalign clear aligners are removable, patients can enjoy their favorite snacks without the worry of damage or trapped food particles.

At Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates, Farmingdale, NY Invisalign dentist Dr. Angela Ferrari can walk you through these and the many benefits of Invisalign aligners while also helping to determine whether you may be a candidate for Invisalign treatment. Here, you'll find more information about eating with Invisalign aligners.

How does Invisalign treatment work?

Invisalign clear aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment that offers patients a more convenient and comfortable alternative to braces. With Invisalign treatment to straighten teeth, patients wear clear, removable trays for 20 – 22 hours per day, including while sleeping. Every few weeks, the trays are replaced with a new set of trays that are slightly straighter than the previous set, which works to gradually shift teeth into better alignment.

Is Invisalign treatment as effective as braces?

For many patients, Invisalign aligners can be just as effective as braces — and with the added benefits of comfort, discretion, convenience, and more. It is important to note that Invisalign treatment is typically used to address mild to moderate alignment issues, while more complex orthodontic needs may require another treatment or procedure instead of, or in addition to, Invisalign trays. During your initial consultation for clear aligners in Farmingdale, NY, Dr. Ferrari will conduct a thorough assessment and examination to determine whether Invisalign clear aligners may be successful for you.

Can you eat anything with Invisalign aligners?

In most cases, patients are free to enjoy their usual diet throughout the course of an Invisalign treatment. Unlike metal braces, which can be damaged by certain foods or increase the risk of tooth decay due to trapped food particles, Invisalign trays can be removed at meal times to allow patients to eat and drink freely. Still, there are some foods and beverages that should be minimized or consumed with care — whether a patient is undergoing orthodontic treatment or not — to reduce the risk of tooth staining, damage to the teeth, and others. These may include:

• Hard candies
• Chewy foods and candies
• Crunchy, overly hard food and nuts
• Red wine, tea, and coffee

Can you eat while wearing Invisalign aligners?

With the exception of drinking water, patients are advised to remove their Invisalign trays when eating or drinking to avoid damaging or otherwise compromising the aligners. Taking Invisalign aligners out to eat also prevents foods and liquids from becoming trapped between the trays and your natural teeth, which could lead to the buildup of bacteria and other unwanted problems. If you have additional questions about what you can and can't eat with Invisalign aligners, how to care for Invisalign trays, or something else, don't hesitate to ask our friendly team.

Invisalign treatment in Farmingdale, NY helps you get straighter teeth without sacrificing your lifestyle

There's no question that traditional metal braces can be a highly effective and appropriate option for some patients, but many people prefer the discretion, comfort, convenience, and other benefits of clear Invisalign aligners – including not having to give up their favorite snacks. To learn more about whether you may be a candidate for Invisalign vs. braces, call our team at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates to schedule your exam and consultation with Farmingdale, NY Invisalign provider Dr. Angela Ferrari today.