In this post, we’ll look at foods to avoid with Invisalign and braces. As you may know, you must avoid some foods for the duration of braces treatment. However, some foods are also better avoided even with Invisalign, though they come out when you eat.
A top advantage of Invisalign in Renton is you can largely enjoy all your favorites. Before meals or snacks, take the aligners out. Afterward, rinse, brush, and floss, and put the aligners back in place. Thus, Invisalign has a bit more convenience and freedom in this regard.
Keep in mind; you still have to wear the aligners at night and for at least 22 hours a day. So, it does take some discipline to keep wearing the aligners. Otherwise, your treatment could be much slower. Fortunately, most people don’t have a problem wearing the aligners and get fantastic results.
On the other hand, braces don’t come out until your perfect smile is ready. Thus, you must be a little more mindful of some foods. Since braces use wire and brackets, you must avoid foods that could damage or pull them out of place. By avoiding these foods, you can make your treatment faster, and more comfortable, and prevent emergency visits.
Invisalign and Braces Create Perfect Smiles for All Ages
Notably, both Invisalign and braces can treat people of all ages and fix a wide variety of smiles. It’s never too late to get started and on the way to a beautiful, healthy smile. Plus, treatment is affordable with flexible payment plans from Lasley Orthodontics, even without insurance.
Next, we’ll look at foods better avoided with both braces and Invisalign. Remember, when treatment is over, you can indulge in all your favorites again. It’s one reward, though a lifetime of smiles is the best part.
Foods to Avoid with Invisalign and Braces
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests avoiding foods that fall into these categories:
- Hard
- Sticky
- Chewy
- Crunchy
So, before you eat, consider if the food in question falls into one of these categories. Easy enough, right?
Foods Best Avoided
Even for those who aren’t undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s a good idea to limit sugary foods like this that can promote tooth decay. While you’re working on your smile, this is more important, particularly with braces.
This holiday season, here are some treats to avoid:
- Jawbreakers (never a great idea)
- Chewing gum
- Suckers
- Sour candies
- Taffy or Caramel
- Jellybeans and gummies
- Licorice or other sticky candies
- Popcorn (kernels pose a problem for braces)
- Nuts or chunky peanut butter (more of a problem with braces)
Treat Yourself to Something Softer
On the other hand, you still may crave a treat on occasion. So, in that case, you can partake of softer options that won’t stick or damage your braces. Here are a few:
- Pure chocolate (without caramel or nuts)
- Peanut butter cups
- KitKats
- 3 Musketeers
- Marshmallows
- Soft cookies
After enjoying treats like these, it’s more important to clean your teeth well.
Avoid These Beverages with Invisalign and Braces
As common sense will tell you, it’s best to avoid sugary drinks with braces or Invisalign, as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists. Sugary drinks seep under the aligners, promote cavities and may stain both aligners and teeth.
Thus, if you are wearing your aligners, it’s best to avoid or limit:
- Sodas
- Acidic liquids
- Flavored water
- Fruit drinks
- Sports drinks
- Energy drinks
What can you drink if your aligners are in place? If possible, try to stick to plain old water, remembering that some bottled waters tend to be acidic. Since Invisalign is made of clear SmartTrack plastic, it’s best to avoid any hot beverages which could stain or warp the aligners.
Some Foods Can Stain Aligners and Braces
As noted, Invisalign can be stained by some foods and beverages. However, since they come out, you don’t have to be as strict. For those with braces, especially clear braces, you must be more vigilant about foods that stain until treatment is complete.
If you particularly enjoy one of the items on the following list, it’s best to avoid them if you can.
Staining Foods and Beverages:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red Wine
- Beets
- Curry
- Currants
- Mustard
- Tomatoes
- Grape Juice
- Berries
- Soy sauce
- Grape juice
- Balsamic vinegar
- Some food coloring
If coffee or tea is your favorite, enjoying iced coffee or tea from a straw can help reduce the chance of staining your braces.
See more in our recent blogs about What Candy Can I Eat with Braces? and Braces-Friendly Foods
Braces and Invisalign at Lasley Orthodontics
We hope this information about foods to avoid with Invisalign and braces is helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at any time at 425 496 7030. Lasley Orthodontics is your best choice for orthodontic care in the Renton, WA area.
Whether you have braces, Invisalign, or other treatments, Dr. Andrew Lasley and the team love creating perfect smiles using the latest technologies. To find out if you’re a candidate for braces or Invisalign, book a complimentary exam.
FAQs about Drinking with Invisalign:
1. Can you drink flavored water with Invisalign?
Yes, you can drink flavored water with Invisalign as long as it is sugar-free and non-acidic.
2. Can you drink lemon water with Invisalign?
It’s best to avoid lemon water with Invisalign as the acidity may damage the aligners. Stick to plain water instead.
3. What can I drink with Invisalign?
You can safely drink water (still or flavored, without sugar or acidity), but it’s best to remove the aligners for any other beverages.
4. Can I drink sparkling water with Invisalign?
It’s advisable to avoid sparkling water with Invisalign, as the carbonation can potentially harm the aligners and affect their effectiveness. Stick to still water instead.