When you’re on the journey to a perfect smile with Invisalign®, you might be wondering how your favourite beverages fit into your new routine.
Drinking with Invisalign® requires a bit of thought to ensure your aligners remain in top shape and your teeth stay healthy.
We’ll explore the best practices for drinking with Invisalign® and offer some tips to help you out.
Understanding Invisalign® and drinking
Invisalign® aligners are designed to be worn for 20-22 hours a day to achieve the best results. This means you’ll need to be mindful about what you drink while wearing them. The aligners are made from clear BPA-free plastic, which can stain or become damaged if exposed to certain beverages.
Best practices for drinking with Invisalign®
1. Stick to water
The safest and most recommended drink with Invisalign® aligners is plain water. It keeps you hydrated without risking stains or damage to the aligners. Water is also excellent for maintaining oral hygiene, as it helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria.
2. Remove aligners for other beverages
For any drink other than water, it’s best to remove your aligners. Drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and fizzy drinks can stain the aligners and your teeth. Sugary or acidic beverages can also get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, leading to decay or erosion.
3. Brush before re-inserting
After enjoying your beverage, make sure to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. This should remove any sugar or acid that could harm your teeth.
Invisalign® drinking with a straw
You might be wondering if drinking with a straw can bypass some of these issues. While drinking with a straw might reduce the contact of the beverage with your aligners and teeth, it’s not a foolproof solution. Here’s why:
Limited protection
Even with a straw, liquids can still seep around the aligners, potentially causing stains and damage.
Risk of tooth decay
Sugary or acidic drinks can still impact your teeth, as they might not be completely bypassed by the straw.
If you choose to drink with a straw, it’s crucial to use it correctly by placing it towards the back of your mouth to minimise contact with your aligners and teeth. However, this should not replace the practice of removing your aligners for any non-water beverages.
Drinks to avoid
Certain drinks are particularly problematic for Invisalign® wearers. Here are a few to avoid while wearing your aligners:
Coffee and tea
These popular beverages can stain your aligners and teeth. If you can’t give them up, make sure to remove your aligners before drinking and brush your teeth afterwards.
Soda and sports drinks
These drinks are high in sugar and acidity, which can lead to tooth decay and aligner damage.
Alcohol
Wine, beer, and spirits can stain and damage your aligners because many alcoholic drinks are also acidic and sugary, posing risks to your dental health.
Enjoying your favourite beverages safely
To enjoy your favourite drinks without compromising your Invisalign® treatment, consider the following tips:
1. Plan your drinking times
Align your drinking times with your meal times. Since you’ll already be removing your aligners to eat, it makes sense to have your beverage at the same time.
2. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It keeps you hydrated and helps to rinse away any residual sugars or acids from your teeth.
3. Maintain good oral hygiene
Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and aligners clean. Proper oral hygiene is essential for successful Invisalign® treatment.
Ready to start your Invisalign® journey?
Drinking with Invisalign® requires some adjustments, but with the right practices, you can enjoy your beverages without compromising your treatment. Remember, water is always your best friend when wearing aligners.
If you have any more questions about Invisalign® treatment or need further advice, don’t hesitate to contact Kiln Lane Dental via email at info@kilnlanedental.co.uk, or speak directly to one of our professional team members by calling 01744 25776.