While Invisalign clear aligners feel more natural than traditional braces, they shouldn’t be confused for natural teeth. This blog explains everything you need to know about drinking with Invisalign clear aligners, including what you can and cannot drink and eat during your Invisalign treatment.
What Is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign is a revolutionary new treatment in the field of orthodontics. Rather than unsightly, permanent metal braces, Invisalign treatment involves clear aligners that can be removed and worn as you please. It offers flexibility, discreetness, and comfort while having your teeth straightened.
To create your clear aligners, a mold of your teeth will be taken first. They will then be sent away to create a set of Invisalign aligners that you can wear to gradually straighten your teeth.
Once the aligners are created, a treatment plan will be provided, including care instructions for your aligners. The care instructions will include information on what food you can eat and drinks you can drink with Invisalign.
What Not To Drink While Wearing Invisalign
While Invisalign offers more freedom than traditional braces, they have some limitations. Be sure to remove Invisalign from your mouth before drinking one of these listed beverages.
1. Red wine
Our dentists recommend that you do not drink alcohol like red wine while wearing your aligners. Red wine, much like coffee, has tannins that can soak into pores and cause stains. You do not want your Invisalign aligners to look red the next time you put them on!
2. Sugary drinks like juice and soda
While we love and crave sugar, it can have negative effects on our oral health. Sugar and bacteria can build up on your enamel, causing tooth decay, and eventually leading to cavities. This is especially true when wearing aligners because the aligners can hold the sugar in your mouth longer. As a result, we do not recommend drinking beverages like cranberry juice and soda while wearing your aligners.
3. Acidic drinks
Acidic drinks should always be avoided, whether you are wearing your aligners or not. The acidity can wear down your tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. We recommend that you do not drink soda, sparkling water or other beverages when you wear Invisalign aligners.
4. Coffee, tea and hot drinks
Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic and specially created to shift your teeth into the desired position. If you drink coffee, tea or other hot beverages while wearing your aligners, you risk them warping under the heat. Warped aligners will not be effective for fixing crowded or crooked teeth. As a result, you will need to get a new set of aligners that fit your mouth properly. We suggest having your morning coffee or tea before putting aligners in.
What You Can Drink With Invisalign Aligners
While wearing Invisalign aligners, your beverage options are limited. You should drink only water when your Invisalign aligners are in your mouth because other drinks can have negative effects on your teeth and your Invisalign trays.
However, it should be noted that not all water is acceptable; you should also avoid hot water because the heat can cause Invisalign trays to warp. Room temperature water or cold water is the best drink option for when you are wearing aligners.
When To Remove Your Invisalign Aligners
1. Brushing and flossing
Your oral health is important. You need to regularly brush and floss your teeth to keep your smile looking great. In order to brush your teeth, you will need to remove your aligners to clean your teeth.
2. Eating
Our dentists do not recommend eating foods with your aligners. Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods like chips, toffee, or popcorn could damage your aligners. You should also not chew gum. Similarly, food particles will likely get stuck in your aligners and remain in your mouth until you can take your aligners out.
Get The Smile You've Always Wanted
Do you want straighter teeth? Call Robson Square Dental in downtown Vancouver today! We are a proud Invisalign provider. We can help you get the beautiful smile that you have always wanted.
