Is There Anything You Cannot Eat With Invisalign?

At Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center, Dr. Stephen Forrest and our team help patients protect their smiles throughout Invisalign treatment. Knowing what you can and cannot eat while wearing Invisalign is the key to keeping your aligners safe and your treatment on track.
Here’s everything you need to know to stay successful and smiling.

Why You Must Remove Invisalign Before Eating

You must always remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. Chewing with aligners in your mouth can cause them to crack, bend, or lose their proper fit. Even soft foods can create enough pressure to damage them.

Eating with aligners in place also traps food and sugars against your teeth, which can cause plaque buildup, bad breath, and a higher risk of cavities.

Always remove your aligners before eating. Store them safely in their protective case to avoid loss or damage.

Foods That Should Be Avoided Completely

Some foods are more harmful than others during Invisalign treatment. These foods should be avoided entirely:

Sticky candies like caramel, taffy, and gummy bears, which can stretch or damage aligners if eaten without removing them first.
Hard foods such as popcorn kernels, nuts, hard pretzels, and raw carrots, which can crack aligners or make teeth sore.
Foods that stain, like beets, blueberries, dark chocolate, and soy sauce, can leave permanent discoloration.
Chewy foods like bagels, tough breads, and jerky, which can make it hard to shift teeth and uncomfortable during treatment.

You can enjoy these foods once your Invisalign treatment is complete, but for now, it’s best to stick to safer options.

Drinks to Watch Out For

According to Dr. Forrest, beverages cause more Invisalign damage than people realize.

Here’s why you need to be careful:

Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas can stain your aligners.
Hot drinks like coffee and tea can warp the plastic, ruining the aligner fit.
Sugary drinks like juice and sports drinks feed bacteria and raise cavity risks.
Water is the only beverage you should drink while wearing aligners.

If you drink anything else, remove your aligners first and rinse or brush your teeth before putting them back in.

Safe Food Choices You Can Enjoy

The good news is that there are still plenty of delicious and safe foods you can enjoy during your Invisalign treatment.

Soft fruits like bananas, strawberries, and melons
Cooked vegetables like carrots, green beans, and squash
Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk
Soft grains like rice, quinoa, and oatmeal
Tender proteins like scrambled eggs, soft fish, and chicken

Tip: Always brush or rinse your teeth after meals before reinserting your aligners to avoid trapping food particles.

Smart Eating Habits for Invisalign Success

Eating smarter can speed up your treatment and keep your aligners safe.

Plan meals carefully. Eat larger meals less often instead of constant snacking.
Carry a travel toothbrush. Keep one with you for quick cleaning after meals.
Use your aligner case. Never leave aligners on a napkin or plate where they can get thrown away by mistake.
Brush and rinse. After every meal or snack, clean your teeth to protect your aligners.
Good eating habits now can shorten your overall treatment time and protect your investment.

Common Eating Mistakes to Avoid

Even patients with good intentions can make mistakes. Watch for these common issues:

Eating with aligners still in. Even one meal can crack or stain them.
Drinking stained beverages without removal. Coffee and wine leave behind permanent discoloration.
Skipping brushing after meals. Plaque trapped between teeth and aligners harms both your oral health and aligner clarity.
Forgetting to reinsert aligners after meals. Every missed hour slows your progress.

Following the basics consistently makes a big difference over the months you wear Invisalign.

Tips for Eating at Restaurants and Social Events

Enjoying meals with friends or family is still possible with a few small adjustments.

Excuse yourself quietly. Step into the restroom to remove your aligners before meals.
Choose water with your meal. It’s always the safest drink during treatment.
Bring your aligner case. Never leave aligners exposed on tables or napkins.
Act confidently. Removing your aligners discreetly will feel normal quickly.

With a little planning, you can keep your social life active without interrupting your treatment success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I chew gum with Invisalign?
No. Gum sticks to aligners and can stretch or damage them. Remove your aligners if you want to chew gum and reinsert them afterward.

Can I eat soft candy with aligners in?
No. Even soft candies can stick to your teeth and aligners, increasing the risk of damage and cavities.

How soon can I eat after brushing?
You can eat right after brushing if you plan to keep your aligners out. If you are brushing before putting your aligners back in, wait a minute for your mouth to feel clean and clear.

Are smoothies safe with Invisalign?
Smoothies are fine if you remove your aligners first. Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after drinking smoothies, especially ones with dark berries or sugar.

Can I suck on hard candies with aligners in?
No. Sugar from hard candies can seep under your aligners and lead to tooth decay.

How to Clean Your Aligners After Eating

Keeping your aligners clean protects your teeth and keeps your treatment invisible.

Rinse aligners. After every meal, rinse them under lukewarm water.
Brush gently. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap or Invisalign cleaner.
Avoid hot water. It can warp the plastic.
Let them dry. Shake off extra water before reinserting.

Clean aligners stay clear, odor-free, and less noticeable.

Staying on Schedule

You should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results.

Time your meals. Set timers if needed to remind yourself when to reinsert aligners.
Limit snacking. The fewer times you remove them, the easier it is to meet your daily goal.
Stay disciplined. Consistency leads to faster, better results.

Pro Tip for Invisalign Patients

Carry a second aligner case.
Many patients lose their aligners at restaurants or social events simply because they did not have a case handy. Keeping an extra case in your bag, car, or pocket helps you avoid costly replacements and treatment delays.

Have questions about starting or managing your Invisalign treatment? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephen Forrest at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center and take the next step toward your best smile.