Foods to Avoid While Using Invisalign (and Tasty Alternatives!)

Starting your Invisalign® journey is an exciting step toward the straight, confident smile you’ve always wanted. To get the best results, it’s important to remember that Invisalign trays should be worn 20–22 hours per day—and that means you’ll need to be strategic about when and what you eat or drink.

Because food and most drinks (other than plain water) can stain, warp, or trap sugar and bacteria against your teeth, you should always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. Afterward, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth before putting them back in to keep your trays fresh and your smile healthy.

Here’s a closer look at foods and drinks to avoid while wearing Invisalign—and tasty alternatives you can enjoy once your aligners are safely out.

Sticky and Chewy Foods

Sticky and chewy treats can cling to your teeth and make cleaning your aligners much harder. Even if you take your trays out before eating, leftover residue can transfer to them when you put them back in.

Skip:

• Caramel and toffee
  
• Gummy candies
  
• Chewing gum
  

Try instead (after removing aligners):

• Soft fruits like bananas or ripe berries
  
• Yogurt sweetened with honey or maple syrup
  
• Smoothies (avoid seeds that could stick to teeth)
  

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Hard foods can crack, chip, or warp your aligners if eaten with them in—so never chew while wearing trays.

Skip:

• Nuts and seeds
  
• Hard candies
  
• Popcorn
  

Try instead (after removing aligners):

• Soft cheese with whole grain crackers
  
• Rice cakes
  
• Lightly steamed vegetables
  

Dark and Pigmented Foods & Drinks

Even a short time spent sipping coffee or red wine with aligners in can stain them. Always remove your trays first, then rinse or brush before reinserting.

Skip:

• Coffee and tea
  
• Red wine
  
• Dark berries like blueberries and blackberries
  

Try instead:

• Herbal teas or water infused with lemon (drink with aligners out)
  
• White wine or clear spirits in moderation
  
• Light-colored fruits like apples or pears

Sugary and Acidic Foods

When sugar or acid gets trapped under your aligners, it can lead to decay and enamel erosion.

Skip:

• Sodas and sweetened drinks
  
• Large amounts of citrus fruits
  
• Processed sugary snacks
  

Try instead:

• Water or sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice (drink with aligners out)
  
• Whole fruits like apples or grapes
  
• Nuts and seeds in moderation
  

The Bottom Line

The key to Invisalign success is wearing your trays 20–22 hours daily, removing them only for meals, snacks, and anything besides water. Always rinse or brush before putting them back in—this small habit keeps your aligners clear, your breath fresh, and your smile healthy.

Contact Amaya Dental in Miami for Your Invisalign Consultation!

Ready to get started? Dr. Amaya and our friendly team at Amaya Dental are here to guide you through every step of treatment. Call us today at (305) 264-2711 to schedule your Invisalign consultation and take the first step toward your dream smile.