Skip to content
Facebook-f Instagram Youtube
  • (434) 977-9473
  • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Forms
  • Blog
Free Consult
  • Our Practice
    • Who We Are
    • We’re Awesome, See Why
    • Meet Dr. Markus
    • Meet Your Team
    • Free to Be
    • Our Raving Fans
    • Improving Our Community
    • Our Technology
    • Our Blog
  • Explore Treatments
    • Braces
      • Types Of Braces
      • Braces For Kids
      • Braces For Teens
      • Braces For Adults
      • Braces FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Invisalign
      • What Is Invisalign?
      • Invisalign For Teens
      • Invisalign For Adults
      • Invisalign FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
  • Our Practice
    • Who We Are
    • We’re Awesome, See Why
    • Meet Dr. Markus
    • Meet Your Team
    • Free to Be
    • Our Raving Fans
    • Improving Our Community
    • Our Technology
    • Our Blog
  • Explore Treatments
    • Braces
      • Types Of Braces
      • Braces For Kids
      • Braces For Teens
      • Braces For Adults
      • Braces FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Invisalign
      • What Is Invisalign?
      • Invisalign For Teens
      • Invisalign For Adults
      • Invisalign FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
  • Our Practice
    • Who We Are
    • We’re Awesome, See Why
    • Meet Dr. Markus
    • Meet Your Team
    • Free to Be
    • Our Raving Fans
    • Improving Our Community
    • Our Technology
    • Our Blog
  • Explore Treatments
        • Braces
          • Types Of Braces
          • Braces For Kids
          • Braces For Teens
          • Braces For Adults
          • Braces FAQ
          • Payment Calculator
        • Invisalign
          • What Is Invisalign?
          • Invisalign For Teens
          • Invisalign For Adults
          • Invisalign FAQ
          • Payment Calculator
Mill Creek Orthodontics Logo
Mill Creek Orthodontics Logo
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient Login
    • Financial Information
  • Contact Us
  • Free Consult
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient Login
    • Financial Information
  • Contact Us
  • Free Consult
Mill Creek Orthodontics logo featuring a modern design, representing the dental practice's focus on orthodontic care and patient engagement.
Mill Creek Orthodontics Logo
  • Our Practice
    • Who We Are
    • We’re Awesome, See Why
    • Meet Dr. Markus
    • Meet Your Team
    • Free to Be
    • Our Raving Fans
    • Improving Our Community
    • Our Technology
    • Our Blog
  • Treatments
    • Braces
      • Types Of Braces
      • Braces For Kids
      • Braces For Teens
      • Braces For Adults
      • Braces FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Invisalign
      • What Is Invisalign?
      • Invisalign For Teens
      • Invisalign For Adults
      • Invisalign FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Patient Login
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Information
  • Contact Us
our practice, millcreek tab logo
our practice, mill creek logo mobile horizontal o1 rgb white
  • Our Practice
    • Who We Are
    • We’re Awesome, See Why
    • Meet Dr. Markus
    • Meet Your Team
    • Free to Be
    • Our Raving Fans
    • Improving Our Community
    • Our Technology
    • Our Blog
  • Treatments
    • Braces
      • Types Of Braces
      • Braces For Kids
      • Braces For Teens
      • Braces For Adults
      • Braces FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Invisalign
      • What Is Invisalign?
      • Invisalign For Teens
      • Invisalign For Adults
      • Invisalign FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Patient Login
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Information
  • Contact Us
  • (434) 771-1910
  • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Forms
  • Blog
Free Consult
  • facebook
  • Instagram

Foods to Avoid with Braces & Invisalign For the Best Experience

Home » Our Blog » Foods to Avoid with Braces & Invisalign For the Best Experience

This time, we’re looking at foods to avoid with braces & Invisalign. In previous posts, we looked at foods to eat with braces.

Notably, one difference between Invisalign and braces is that clear aligners can come out. With braces, they remain attached to your teeth throughout treatment. Thus, you can take out Invisalign while you eat and drink. As a result, you don’t have to as careful about food choices. 

As we saw in our previous post, braces can be damaged by sticky, hard, chewy, and crunchy foods.

However, some foods are best limited or avoided with Invisalign and braces. By avoiding certain foods, you can ensure your treatment goes smoothly. Limiting some foods can help you avoid the higher risk of tooth decay and avoid staining your appliances.

Today, one of the best parts of orthodontic treatments is the nearly invisible appearance. To make sure treatment remains discreet, you want to avoid discoloring clear aligners or braces. 

Some Foods Might Leave a Stain on Braces & Invisalign

Certain foods can leave a stain that discolors clear aligners and braces. Therefore, it’s a good idea to limit them or avoid them while working on your smile.

Staining foods (not a complete list):

  • Tea
  • Beets
  • Curry
  • Coffee
  • Berries
  • Mustard
  • Tomatoes
  • Red Wine
  • Soy sauce
  • Grape juice
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Some food colorings

With Invisalign, it’s always a good idea to take out the aligner to eat or drink anything but plain water. Otherwise, foods like these may leave you aligners looking a peculiar color. Similarly, clear ceramic braces could be discolored, though they are resistant to staining.

Hot Liquids and Invisalign

A benefit of Invisalign is the thin aligners are precisely fit and comfortable. However, the thin SmartTrack material is fairly delicate. Consequently, one must not put the aligners in hot water or drink hot beverages while they are in place. Otherwise, they could warp.

While braces won’t warp from hot beverages, some might stain them, such as drinking coffee. 

Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks with Braces & Invisalign

When you wear braces or Invisalign, it’s more important to practice good oral hygiene. During this time, it can be a little harder to keep your teeth and gums in top condition. That’s especially true with braces since food can get stuck where you can’t easily reach it.

Even with Invisalign, the American Association of Orthodontists suggests limiting or avoiding sugary foods and drinks.

Since liquids can get under the aligners, it’s best to drink only plain water. Notably, even some bottled waters can pose a problem because they are acidic.

Avoid drinks like these:

  • Sodas
  • Acidic liquids
  • Flavored water
  • Fruit drinks
  • Sports drinks
  • Energy drinks

If you drink something other than water, rinse and brush your teeth soon afterward, wherever possible.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mill Creek Orthodontics (@millcreekortho)

Avoid Sugary, Sticky, Crunchy, Hard Foods

In our prior post about foods to enjoy with braces, it’s best to avoid foods that are:

  • Hard
  • Sticky
  • Chewy 
  • Crunchy
  • Staining

However, do you have to watch out for these foods with Invisalign? Not as much, but it’s still a good idea to limit sugary foods and hard, crunchy foods, even with Invisalign. 

Since these foods coat the teeth with a sugary film, they can promote tooth decay. Also, hard, crunchy bits can be difficult to clean between teeth. Then, when you put your aligners back in, these particles can be trapped and lead to tooth decay.

Foods to avoid with braces and Invisalign, including staining beverages, sugary items, crunchy popcorn, chewy candies, and hard snacks, with Mill Creek Orthodontics branding.
Foods to Avoid with Braces & Invisalign

Foods to Avoid with Invisalign & Braces

Below, we list some examples of foods best limited or avoided with Invisalign & braces: 

  • Lollypops and suckers
  • Sticky, chewy candies
  • Taffy, Caramel, Starbursts, or similar
  • Hard candies and jawbreakers
  • Gummies and jellybeans
  • Sour candies 
  • Popcorn, chips, hard pretzels
  • Nuts and crunchy trail mix
  • Chewing gum or bubble gum

If you wear braces, watch out for these foods. By doing so, you can avoid an emergency visit to fix a broken or loose wire or bracket. With Invisalign, it’s still a good idea to limit or avoid them to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

On the other hand, you can still reward yourself with a softer, safe treat on occasion, like when you visit us a Mill Creek Orthodontics!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mill Creek Orthodontics (@millcreekortho)

We hope this list of foods to avoid with braces & Invisalign has been helpful. 

At first, it may seem restrictive. However, by sticking to the basic rules, your treatment will be smoother. Then, treatment is complete; you will be able to enjoy all your favorites again. Best of all, you’ll have a fantastic new smile to show for it!

Have any questions? Call us anytime at 434-977-9473. You may also contact us online here.

Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest content and updates.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mill Creek Orthodontics (@millcreekortho)

we believe, cod gray star

START TODAY

Free Orthodontic Consultation

We’re here for you and we promise to provide you the most value for every moment you spend with us.

Free Consult
Smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a blue and white striped shirt, representing patient engagement at Mill Creek Orthodontics.
what sets us apart, icon

OUR RAVING FANS

Experience 5-Star Care

We’re thankful for the opportunity to serve our community by making them smile every day. Hear what our patients are saying about their experience with us!

Girl with braces smiling on a blanket, representing confidence and orthodontic care.
Megan
We have had a great experience with Mill Creek Ortho. The staff is welcoming, kind, and patient. My children love going to their appointments because they get ice cream after every appointment.
ramiro C.
Great service and affordable plans.Brooks is the best.
Maegan M.
Amazing! The whole staff is so sweet and welcoming. My daughter just got her braces off and it was such an amazing experience. My husband is going to be coming in now too.
Brandon M.
It has been such a pleasure coming to MillCreek to fix my son’s teeth! They’re always so welcoming and tons of smiling faces!
Liam M.
Very good at explaining everything, great experiences
Maria H.
When I bring my daughter Nubian here for her braces we are greeted with a smile and the service is always excellent❤️
Kadee H.
Mill Creek ortho was a great experience for me as an adult with braces, I have brought my kids here for their treatment as well. They are always so kind, welcoming and accommodating. Their space is always clean and comfortable. My kids have enjoyed their treatment here and the ice cream is always a special treat for them as well. Quick and organized appointments and we have never had to wait long from start to finish.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! It truly means a lot to us that you’ve trusted our team with both your own orthodontic care and your children’s treatment. We’re so glad to hear that you’ve felt comfortable and well cared for throughout your experience, because that’s exactly what we strive for with every patient.

It’s especially wonderful to know your kids enjoy their visits (and the ice cream). Creating a welcoming, efficient, and positive environment for families is very important to us, so your kind words really mean a lot. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and look forward to continuing to care for your family! - Dr. Markus and the MCO team!
Zoe M.
Extremely kind and kept making sure I was okay! They were so welcoming and made me laugh so much! They helped me to be excited about having braces!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Zoe!!! It's so important to us that our patients have fun at their appointments! We appreciate your kind words. - Dr. Markus and the team
Benjamin R.
3 of our kids go to see Dr. Markus, the staff is friendly and the atmosphere is very fun. It is just a comfortable and welcoming office. The kids love the ice cream they get to choose at the end of the appointment. I would highly recommend them for braces journey.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Dr. Rowland! That means a lot to us coming from another professional. We love treating your family and are glad to hear they love their smiles. - Dr. Markus and the team
Rachel H.
Mill Creek is a great spot! Big fan! Getting braces as a 38yo mother of three was not on my radar at all, so let’s just say I was less than thrilled when my dentist referred me. BUT Doc and his fabulous team were rockstars from day one and made the experience as enjoyable as it could be with their kind demeanor, knowledgeable tips/advice, and delicious ice cream at every appointment! You won’t regret choosing Mill Creek.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We know that starting orthodontic treatment as an adult (especially with a busy life and family) can feel unexpected, so it truly means a lot to hear that our team helped make the experience a positive one for you.

We’re so glad you felt supported every step of the way, and we’ll be sure to pass along your compliments to Doc and the entire team, they’ll be thrilled! And of course, we’re happy the ice cream didn’t hurt either 😊

Thank you again for trusting us with your smile. We’re so grateful to have you as part of the Mill Creek family! - Dr. Markus and the MCO team!
READ MORE
we believe, cod gray star
OUR LOCATION

Feel Free to Say, “Hi!”

Your trust in us to craft your beautiful, healthy smile means everything. We love our community. Come visit our office or give us a call and say, “Hi!” We’re here for you.
  • CHARLOTTESVILLE 32 Mill Creek Drive, Suite 107
    Charlottesville, VA 22902
  • (434) 977-9473
Charlottesville
Mill Creek Orthodontics Logo
Free consult
QUICK LINKS
Main Menu
  • Our Practice
  • Braces
  • Invisalign
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact Us
CONTACT US
  • Charlottesville
  • (434) 977-9473
FOLLOW US
Facebook-f Instagram Youtube

© Copyright 2026 Mill Creek Orthodontics | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Notice of Privacy Practices | Click for Accessibility

Related Pages:
  • foods to eat with braces

foods to eat with invisalign, does hot sauce stain teeth, what foods can i eat with invisalign, does curry stain braces, can you eat dippin dots with braces, can you eat popcorn with invisalign, can you eat dots with braces, can you eat chips with invisalign, invisalign red wine, can you eat hot cheetos with braces, what can i eat with invisalign, invisalign vinegar, food to avoid with invisalign, invisalign experience, can you have cheetos with braces, can you drink liquids with invisalign, can i have hot cheetos with braces, chewy foods to eat, can you eat cheetos with braces, foods you can eat with braces, can you eat soft food with invisalign, inbrace vs invisalign, can you eat anything with invisalign, can u eat cheetos with braces, what foods to avoid with invisalign, what can i not eat with invisalign, can you eat with invisalign in, can u eat with invisalign, what to avoid with invisalign, what foods can you eat with invisalign, can i eat chips with invisalign, what not to drink with invisalign, can you drink hot tea with braces, what foods can you not eat with invisalign, can you eat ice cream with invisalign, what not to eat with invisalign, foods to avoid with invisalign, can i eat hot cheetos with braces, foods to avoid invisalign, clear braces what not to eat, can i drink flavored water with invisalign, can i eat cheetos with braces, can you drink hot water with invisalign, can you eat with invisalign, what not to eat with clear braces, can you drink energy drinks with braces, xylitol mints invisalign, can you eat with invisalign on, best foods to eat with invisalign, can you eat curry with invisalign, can you eat crunchy cheetos with braces, can you drink juice with invisalign, soft foods to eat with invisalign, can u eat gum with invisalign, invisalign food, can i eat candy with invisalign, invisalign and your diet, invisalign stain, food list for braces, invisalign foods to avoid, can you drink flavored water with invisalign, what can you not eat with invisalign, foods to avoid with clear braces, is it ok to eat with invisalign, can i drink hot tea with invisalign in, what not to do with invisalign, hot braces, can i eat ice cream with invisalign, does soy sauce stain braces, can you eat lollipops with invisalign, can i have mints with invisalign, invisalign gummies, what can you not do with invisalign, can you eat tomatoes with braces, teeth whitening with invisalign, food not to eat with braces, braces to invisalign, sticky foods to avoid, can you eat nuts with invisalign, what to eat with invisalign, what can you eat with invisalign, list of what not to eat with braces, can you eat while wearing invisalign, what can i eat with invisalign braces, can u eat hot cheetos with braces, can you eat crunchy food with invisalign, what can you eat with invisalign in, invisalign what not to eat, do you eat with invisalign, invisalign staining, can you eat hot food with invisalign, can i drink juice with invisalign, can i eat popcorn with invisalign, what not to eat with invisalign attachments, can i drink hot drinks with braces, foods that stain braces, drinks to avoid with braces, invisalign safe, can you eat candy with invisalign, can you eat curry with braces, can u eat gummies with braces, can i have a lollipop with invisalign, things not to do with invisalign, what can i eat with invisalign in, does beer stain invisalign, foods that stain clear braces, can you eat ice with invisalign, does tomato soup stain braces, can i drink tea with invisalign, can i eat with invisalign in, what liquids can you drink with invisalign, kenzy foods, can eat with invisalign, what to not eat with invisalign, invisalign blowjob, does invisalign stain teeth, what food can you not eat with invisalign, can you eat with invisalign trays in, foods you can eat with invisalign in, can i eat with invisalign, braces and food, eating out with invisalign, can u drink coffee with braces, can you have curry with braces, can you eat food with invisalign, mill creek foods, stained invisalign, why are braces hot, braces and blowjobs, what can i eat with invisalign trays in, braces hot, can u drink water with invisalign, how to eat with invisalign, foods to avoid with invisalign attachments, can i drink hot water with invisalign, food restrictions for braces, can you eat with invisalign braces, clear braces stain, can you drink pop with invisalign, foods that stain ceramic braces, foods to avoid with ceramic braces, can you eat apples with invisalign, can i eat with my invisalign in, hot drinks with invisalign, do ceramic braces stain, can you drink bubble tea with braces, can i drink hot tea with invisalign, can you drink coffee with braces, invisalign experiences, can you have hot cheetos with braces, what foods stain braces, what can you not eat or drink with braces, can you drink sweet tea with braces, invisalign saw mill, foods not to eat with clear braces

Limited Indulgence: Enjoying Sweet Treats with Braces & Invisalign

While it's important to avoid sugary foods and sticky treats with braces and Invisalign, it's okay to have a limited indulgence every now and then. Opt for soft, sweet treats that won't damage your orthodontic appliances, such as a small piece of chocolate or a scoop of ice cream. Just remember to brush and floss afterward to prevent any potential issues.

By allowing yourself the occasional sweet treat, you can satisfy your cravings without jeopardizing your orthodontic treatment. Just be mindful of the frequency and portion size of your indulgences, and practice good oral hygiene to keep your teeth and braces or Invisalign clear aligners in good shape.

Maintaining Healthy Habits: Tips for Eating Well with Braces & Invisalign

Aside from avoiding certain foods, it's important to maintain a healthy diet while wearing braces or Invisalign. Be sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your meals to support overall oral health and well-being. Additionally, drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth clean and hydrated throughout the day.

By focusing on a balanced diet and staying hydrated, you can support the success of your orthodontic treatment and maintain a healthy smile. Remember to continue following your orthodontist's recommendations and practicing good oral hygiene habits to ensure optimal results and a beautiful, confident smile.