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Can You Drink with Invisalign?

drinking with invisalign

Undergoing Invisalign treatment comes with a series of lifestyle adjustments, and one common question patients often have is can you drink with Invisalign aligners in. This article will address the ins and outs of drinking with Invisalign, including which beverages are safe, which ones to avoid, and tips for maintaining your aligners’ effectiveness and cleanliness. So, if you’re curious about how drinking affects your Invisalign journey, read on for all the essential information.

Drinking and Invisalign: The Basics

Invisalign aligners offer a convenient and nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth, but they come with specific guidelines to ensure their effectiveness. One key area to be mindful of is your choice of beverages. Drinking with Invisalign aligners in place can lead to various complications, such as liquid getting trapped between the aligners and your teeth, fostering bacteria growth. This can result in plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease if not properly managed.

Moreover, consuming sugary drinks like soda, fruit juices, and energy drinks while wearing aligners can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion. Additionally, drinking anything other than water can stain your aligners, making them more noticeable and diminishing their discreet appearance.

To avoid these issues, it’s best to remove your aligners before drinking anything other than water. Always brush your teeth and clean your aligners before putting them back in to maintain optimal oral hygiene and ensure the best outcome for your treatment.

Recommended Drinks with Invisalign

When it comes to staying hydrated and enjoying beverages during your Invisalign treatment, it’s important to know which drinks are safe. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about drinking with Invisalign:

Can you drink water with Invisalign?

Yes, you can drink water while wearing your Invisalign aligners. Drinking water is highly recommended as it helps keep your aligners clean and your mouth hydrated. Just be sure to remove your aligners before consuming any other beverages.

What beverages are safe to consume with Invisalign?

While water is the best option, other beverages that are generally safe include unsweetened tea and plain coffee (without added sugar or cream). Sugar-free drinks are also acceptable, but it’s important to avoid colored or sugary drinks as they can stain or damage your aligners. Also, don’t forget to remove your aligners first.

Are there any restrictions on drinking certain drinks with Invisalign?

Yes, it’s recommended to avoid drinks like soda, sports drinks, fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages as they can stain or erode your aligners. Additionally, hot beverages like hot tea or coffee can warp the plastic of your aligners, so it’s best to let them cool down before wearing your aligners again.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and following your orthodontist’s guidelines is crucial for the success of your Invisalign treatment. If you have any specific concerns or questions, consult with your orthodontist for personalized advice.

Going Out To The Bar With Invisalign

If you are going to have a night out with friends and you have just started with Invisalign, you know that you need to keep your aligners in for 20-22 hours a day. So what do you do if you still want to go out?

Come Prepared: Bring your case to ensure they have a safe place when you do drink and a toothbrush to freshen up before putting them back in.

Select The Optimal Beverage: Light in color and low in sugary or sour flavors is best. Red wine and dark beers are not the best choice. The goal is to minimize staining and tooth decay. 

Order Water Too: Alternating between water and your drink of choice can help prevent your drink from impacting your teeth by rinsing them throughout the night. Doing this won’t mitigate the need to brush later, but it will help quite a bit.

Drink In Moderation: While we prefer that you abstain from drinking altogether for health reasons, if you are going to anyway make sure not to get carried away so you remember to brush and rinse at the end of the night.