We all know braces have food restrictions, but Invisalign clear aligners have no such rules! Invisalign trays are removable, so you can take them out and enjoy whatever food you like. But what about beverages? Can you drink coffee with Invisalign? Can you drink soda with Invisalign?
Wilson and Hendrickson Orthodontics patients like Invisalign treatment because they are nearly invisible on the teeth. But some worry that certain foods or drinks can stain Invisalign. Here is what you can and can’t eat or drink with Invisalign.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners work like metal braces to gently apply pressure to straighten your teeth and move teeth where they should be. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign uses clear aligners made from a durable acrylic material, and you can remove your aligners.
Invisalign trays are made to be stain-resistant and resilient. Each set of aligners is designed to withstand being removed and placed on your teeth regularly, as well as biting down. However, some things that can damage clear aligners.
Can You Drink Coffee With Invisalign?
Patients know to remove Invisalign before eating. It allows them to enjoy any food they like. The key is to rinse your Invisalign and brush your teeth (or at least rinse your mouth) before putting the Invisalign back in your mouth.
What about beverages? Can you drink coffee with Invisalign? We recommend that you don’t for a couple of reasons. Although Invisalign is stain-resistant, dark-colored liquids might discolor your clear aligners over time. Coffee could cause your Invisalign to look yellow or brown against your teeth.
Hot coffee can also damage your Invisalign. The heat can warp the clear aligners, causing them to fit poorly against your teeth. Warped trays must be replaced, or they could sidetrack your orthodontic treatment.
We recommend you remove your Invisalign if you’re going to drink coffee. While cold or iced coffee can’t warp the trays like hot coffee can, the coffee can still discolor your trays. It’s best to remove your clear aligners before consuming any coffee.
Can You Drink Alcohol With Invisalign?
Adult patients often ask if it’s OK to consume alcohol while wearing Invisalign. Clear liquors and cocktails should be OK, but other alcohol can discolor clear aligners if consumed regularly. The acids in alcohol combined with the dark colors of some wines and spirits can cause discoloration of your Invisalign.
We recommend you remove your Invisalign when consuming alcohol that isn’t clear.
Can I Drink Sodas With Invisalign?
Teenage patients consume sodas — probably more than they should. Can sodas damage clear aligners? It is possible. Dark-colored sodas can discolor the clear aligners if the sodas are consumed regularly. Clear sodas shouldn’t be a problem regarding discoloring your clear aligners.
However, we recommend you avoid sodas. If you can’t, we suggest removing your Invisalign to consume the soda, rinsing the trays, and brushing your teeth before putting your Invisalign back into your mouth.
It’s not the color of the sodas that’s the main problem. It isn’t even the sugar, though both are bad for your teeth. The problem is the acids in the sodas — even diet sodas.
Sodas have phosphoric, carbonic, and citric acids, which can attack your enamel — the hard shell that protects the tooth. Combined with sugars or sweeteners, these acids can cause plaque that can lead to tooth decay.
Invisalign can trap these acids and plaque against your teeth, accelerating tooth decay. The last thing you want during orthodontic treatment is cavities. Filling cavities can slow your treatment time.
For these reasons, it’s best to avoid sodas during treatment — and afterward.
Can I Drink Water With Invisalign?
Does that mean you can’t drink beverages with Invisalign? Absolutely not! You can drink plain water with Invisalign. You can even drink carbonated or flavored water if it’s clear. (Dark-colored water enhancers or flavored water can discolor your Invisalign.)
Water is a building block for your body. It’s important to consume at least 64 ounces of water per day. You can do this while wearing your Invisalign. Tap water is great for your teeth because most municipalities add fluoride, which protects your teeth from tooth decay.
Wearing Invisalign 22 Hours a Day
Removing your Invisalign to eat or drink is OK, but place them back on your teeth as soon as possible. You need to wear your Invisalign trays at least 22 hours a day for them to be fully effective. Wearing them for less time than this can delay your treatment time.
Always have a clear aligners storage case with you to store your trays safely during meals or drinks. Never wrap your trays in a napkin because you can easily throw them away accidentally.
Always store your Invisalign safely when not in use, so they aren’t damaged or lost. Extra storage cases are available at local retailers and pharmacies.
Invisalign Treatment in Topeka, KS
Invisalign treatment has become a popular alternative to treatment with traditional metal braces or clear braces. Invisalign has its benefits, but it also has a few drawbacks. You must be very responsible with your clear aligners and keep up with them since they are removable.
Are you interested in Invisalign? If so, Wilson and Hendrickson Orthodontics is ready to help! Request an evaluation for a consultation about Invisalign in Topeka, KS. We will provide a thorough examination and let you know if Invisalign is right for you.