Short Answer: If you accidentally eat with your Invisalign, you may damage your aligners and your teeth, and cause staining, discoloration, or bacterial growth.
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth.
Invisalign aligners are made of a medical-grade polymer or plastic with some additives that make them clear, strong, thin, and flexible.
If you accidentally eat with your Invisalign, you risk damaging the aligner and your oral health.
Clear aligners are not designed to withstand the powerful force of chewing food, causing them to crack or break.
If this happens, your treatment may not be as effective and take longer.
Eating with your Invisalign can also cause staining, discoloration, or warping of the aligner material, as well as bacteria growth on your teeth and inside the aligners, which can lead to decay and/or gum disease.
This is because the aligners contain or are made with polyurethane resins, which are a blend of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and 1.6-hexanediol.
These resins are sensitive to heat, color, and sugar, and can react with food and drinks other than water.
Polyurethane resins can provide a clear, discreet, and comfortable fit for your teeth, but they can also be damaged by food and drinks if you do not remove your aligners before eating or drinking.
It is quite uncommon to eat with your Invisalign due to its unpleasant taste and smell.
However, some people may eat with their Invisalign out of forgetfulness, convenience, or laziness.
You can prevent serious complications by removing your aligners before eating or drinking anything but water, and brushing or rinsing your teeth before putting them back in.
You should also clean your aligners regularly with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, or use the Invisalign cleaning system.
To avoid accidental eating with your Invisalign, you should store them in a safe place away from children and pets when you take them out.
You should also read the label and follow the instructions carefully when using Invisalign.
Do not apply Invisalign near your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it can cause severe irritation or infection.
Finally, remember, Invisalign is a powerful and convenient way to straighten your teeth and improve your smile.
It can also improve your overall health by allowing you to eat a balanced diet without restrictions.
However, you must follow the rules of eating and drinking with Invisalign to avoid damaging your aligners and your oral health.