Brace Central Orthodontics
Get answers to common Invisalign questions from Dr. Polina Ingberman. Learn about eating, drinking, comfort, and more.
Eating & Drinking With Invisalign
You have to remove the aligners before you eat and put them back on after you finish. Hard food can wear down and damage the aligners. If you eat something very soft like yogurt or pudding with them in, remove and clean the aligners as soon as you are done so they stay clean.
Hard food can wear down and damage the aligners, so the aligners should be removed for eating.
It is best to brush the aligners. If that is not possible, at least rinse them before putting them back in your mouth.
You should not chew gum with Invisalign. Remove the aligners when you eat; if you are very hungry, something soft like yogurt or a smoothie is easier to manage.
You can drink coffee, but the aligners are likely to stain. If you want them to stay clear, it is best to remove them when you drink coffee. Coffee will not damage the aligner.
Clear water is ideal while the aligners are in.
Yes. To minimize staining, you can drink coffee through a straw, or remove the aligners while drinking it.
Crossbites and Underbites
It depends. Invisalign can help improve many types of crossbites, though not all of them, and many crossbites can be addressed without surgery. This requires a clinical evaluation by your doctor, and there is no single answer that fits every case.
It depends on the case. Invisalign can help improve some underbites. A clinical evaluation is necessary to determine what is appropriate, and the right timing depends on the individual situation.
Treatment Timeline
It varies by case and is discussed at your consultation.
You can stop when the treatment is completed. If a patient decides to end treatment before completion, that is the patient's choice.
Yes. A retainer is used after treatment to maintain the alignment. How it is worn over time is discussed with your doctor.
Removing & Wearing Aligners
Invisalign aligners are removed by using your finger and applying slight pressure on the edge of the aligner.
No, it is not painful. Some people experience minor discomfort.
There are special removal tools available, but they are usually not necessary since the aligner is not hard to remove with your finger.
Aligners can be removed several times for eating and brushing, as long as they are worn for the number of hours your doctor recommends each day.
Comfort
When you start wearing a new set of aligners, there is usually some discomfort, not really pain, that lasts a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief and avoiding hard food can help. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
As with braces, moving teeth can cause some discomfort. Possible side effects should be discussed with the doctor, as they vary depending on the patient and any existing conditions.
Invisalign With Dental Work
Yes. The implant itself will not move, but the surrounding teeth will adjust as they normally would.
Yes, a tooth with a crown will move just like any other tooth.
Yes, Invisalign can move teeth to create space for an implant placement.
Who Qualifies for Invisalign
There is no single type of person who does not qualify. Screening for Invisalign treatment should be done by a dentist or orthodontist.
Call for a Free Consultation: 718-998-1888
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please call our office to discuss your individual needs.
Meet The Team
Founder · A quarter of a century of experience
Founder of Brace Central Orthodontics and Brooklyn Orthodontics with a quarter of a century of experience. She is an NYU College of Dentistry graduate and a Columbia University trained orthodontist, treating children, teens, and adults with braces and Invisalign.
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Orthodontist
Board-certified Brooklyn orthodontist trained at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, with a three-year orthodontic residency at Maimonides Medical Center. Treats children, teens, and adults with braces, Invisalign®, and a full range of orthodontic appliances.
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Orthodontist
Brooklyn-born orthodontist, NYU College of Dentistry graduate with a three-year residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Maimonides Medical Center. Known for meticulous, compassionate, individualized care.
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Orthodontist · Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
Board-certified orthodontist (Diplomate, ABO 2025), NYU College of Dentistry graduate with residency training at St. Barnabas Hospital, NY. Treats children, teens, and adults with braces, clear aligners, and orthopedic appliances. Speaks English and Russian.
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