Can You Drink With Invisalign?
Looking after your teeth these days is more important than ever, and there are so many steps you can take that are going to help you make the most of this. It is essential to make sure you focus on the best things you can do to make your teeth and gums better, and to improve your oral health, and this is where the use of Invisalign comes into play.
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment we offer that involves the use of clear aligners to help straighten teeth in a practical and discreet way. It is virtually invisible compared with traditional braces, and this is something that makes Invisalign such an appealing option for patients seeking the right kind of treatment for their teeth and gums.
One of the queries a lot of people tend to have with Invisalign braces is can you drink with Invisalign? In this blog post we will attempt to answer that question, as well as providing advice and guidance on the best ways of being able to get the most out of Invisalign as a patient.
What is Invisalign and Why You Need It?
Simply put, Invisalign is a form of invisible braces that are used by dentists and orthodontists to help straighten patients’ teeth. The treatment involves us using a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that are worn for periods of 2 weeks at a time. These aligners are moulded to your specific teeth so that they are the perfect comfortable fit for you, and can help you to feel less self-conscious.
It is important to understand that Invisalign isn’t for everyone, and you need to make sure you speak with our experts about whether this is the right move for you. Being able to improve your teeth and strengthen them in the right way is essential, and it is important to ensure that Invisalign is the right choice for you.
Eating and Drinking With Invisalign Braces
One of the key advantages of Invisalign braces is that they are easily removable, which means that it is easy to eat and drink using them. This means maintaining oral health is simpler and much more achievable, but you still have to be mindful about what you eat and drink when you are undergoing Invisalign treatment.
You need to think about what you are consuming, and how much this is likely to impact the Invisalign braces you’ve had fitted. During the process you will need to think carefully about your diet, and it might be necessary to avoid eating and drinking certain things. We’ll explore these in a little more detail below.
Drinking Water With Invisalign
Water is the best drink to consume whilst you are wearing Invisalign braces, and you need to make sure you stay hydrated as much as possible. Most importantly, water is not going to damage the aligners, and will keep them clean and clear. The cost of Invisalign braces is more than traditional braces, so you want to make sure you look after them as much as possible, and this is something you need to get right as much as you can.
Can You Drink Alcohol With Invisalign?
When a lot of people ask, can you drink with Invisalign?, what they often mean is, can you drink alcohol with Invisalign? And this is a complex question that carries a few potential answers. Whilst it is true that alcohol can damage aligners and cause them to become discoloured, you can, in fact, consume alcohol with Invisalign if you use a straw, or remove the aligners.
However, it is probably advisable to refrain from alcohol consumption when undergoing Invisalign treatment. Drinking alcohol can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, so this is something you need to try to avoid as much as possible whilst you have your aligners.
What to Avoid Drinking With Invisalign
It is important to make sure the success rate of Invisalign is as great as possible, and this means you need to regulate what you are eating and drinking better. There are a lot of foods and beverages that need to be avoided, and this includes sugary and acidic options; here is a list of some of the types of drinks you should look to avoid with Invisalign:
1. Sugar and Acid
Sugary and acidic drinks can cause tooth decay and erosion. These include things like fizzy drinks such as Coca Cola, sports drinks like Lucozade, energy drinks, and fruit juices. You should look to avoid drinks like this, and certainly should only be consuming them in moderation. It’s also important to also make sure you rinse your mouth with water afterwards to get the sugar and acid out.
2. Staining
When you have aligners fitted, it is important that you do the best you can to try to avoid drinks that have a chance of staining them. These include things like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark coloured drinks. Make sure you clean your teeth thoroughly after consuming them, and rinse your mouth out as well.
3. Extreme Temperatures
It is also important to avoid drinks that are too hot or too cold. Hot drinks can cause the aligners to warp, while cold drinks can cause them to crack. Whilst aligners don’t change face shape, they are moulded to your teeth and gums, so they need to be treated with care. It is best to drink beverages at room temperature.
Tips for Drinking With Invisalign
As with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign, and one the main drawbacks is that you may have to curtail certain drinks for a while, but these are some of the key tips we think will help you when drinking with Invisalign braces:
- Remove the aligners before drinking any beverage other than water.
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming sugary or acidic drinks.
- Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining drinks.
- Avoid drinking beverages that are too hot or too cold.
- Use a straw when drinking sugary or acidic beverages to minimise contact with your teeth.
- Carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with you so you can brush your teeth after meals and drinks.
- Clean your aligners regularly with the recommended cleaning solution to keep them clear and free from bacteria.
It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene while undergoing Invisalign treatment. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. It is also recommended to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Get in Touch With Didsbury Dental
If you are considering Invisalign treatment, it is important to choose an experienced and qualified dental practitioner. Didsbury Dental Practice is a leading dental practice in Manchester, offering a range of orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign. Our team of highly skilled dentists has years of experience in orthodontic treatment and will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan that meets your unique needs and requirements.
We understand that taking care of your teeth is important to you, and this is something that you need to make sure you make the most of as much as possible. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with all the latest technology and equipment, allowing us to make the best choices that will meet your dental needs and requirements.
Our friendly and experienced team is on-hand to be able to provide you with the best details and information about how you can improve your oral health, and Invisalign plays a massive part in helping you to achieve this. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us at 0161 445 2397. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile!
