Invisalign has become a go-to orthodontic solution in recent years, as it is less noticeable in the mouth and more comfortable to wear than traditional metal braces. In this article, we discuss aligner care tips and what you can and cannot do when eating and drinking with Invisalign.
Eating, Drinking, and Invisalign: What You Can and Can’t Do
Invisalign clear aligners are often preferred to traditional metal braces precisely because they do not restrict your dietary choices. However, you can eat and drink anything you want, as long as you remove your aligners first. When your aligners are in your mouth, you can drink only clear lukewarm or cold water, because:
- Hot water or beverages can warp your aligners.
- Sodas, teas, coffee, and other colored drinks can stain your aligners. As a result, they will lose their initial transparency.
- Eating anything with your aligners still in the mouth will inevitably deform or crack them, as the material they are made of is not designed to withstand the force applied by a human bite.
Deformed or warped aligners are ineffective because they do not fit your teeth as they should. As a result, you will lose the progress you have made in your treatment and will have to replace the set, leading to additional expenditures and more time needed to complete the treatment.
Follow these tips when eating and drinking with Invisalign aligners:
- Before the meal, remove your aligners and place them in their designated, clean container.
- After the meal, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. Never place your aligners in your mouth without brushing your teeth first, as this can trap food residue, acids, sugars, and bacteria on your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth staining.
- Rinse your aligners thoroughly with lukewarm water before putting them back in your mouth.
- Rinse your aligner container after each use.
- Avoid frequent snacking when wearing your Invisalign aligners. To achieve optimal results, you have to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Taking them off frequently for snacking can reduce the time you wear them each day, making the treatment less effective.
Other Invisalign Care Tips
One of the most important rules of Invisalign care is to keep your aligners clean and maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine:
- Clean your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented soap twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, at the time when you brush and floss your teeth. Make sure to remove saliva and plaque that accumulates throughout the day and during the night.
- Do not use abrasive toothpaste (such as those containing soda or charcoal) or hard-bristled toothbrushes on your aligners, as these products can scratch them, leading to discoloration.
- Also, do not use mouthwash for cleaning your aligners.
- In the evenings, before cleaning your aligners, soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner solution for 15 to 20 minutes to effectively remove plaque and increase the effectiveness of subsequent cleaning.
- When brushing and flossing your teeth, ensure you remove food debris and plaque effectively, as wearing aligners can increase the risk of cavities in people with insufficient oral hygiene.
Get an Orthodontic Treatment at Dentist Mission Viejo
Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with an experienced orthodontist at Dentist Mission Viejo if you are considering Invisalign. Our specialists will carefully evaluate your orthodontic issues and needs to offer you an effective and reliable solution. We are looking forward to your visit.