Although to answer the question, “Can you drink with Invisalign?” we should first consider what you are drinking. The quick answer is that the only thing you can drink while wearing Invisalign is plain water. However, the trays are removable. The longer answer is that you can drink anything during treatment as long as your trays are not currently in your mouth.
What Can You Drink with Invisalign?
Water is the only safe thing to drink while wearing your aligners. Although it may seem silly, there is very valid reasoning behind this. Your tray aligners fit over your teeth, however, they do not form a liquid-proof seal. What that means is that anything you drink may seep into your tray aligners and become trapped.
When it comes to sugary drinks the liquid residue would remain in your tray aligner creating a breeding ground for decay. The result may be even worse with acidic drinks such as orange juice. Leaving these acids in contact with your teeth, “protected” by the tray aligners, can accelerate enamel degradation.
Normally our saliva rinses away these sugars and acids, but the trays keep that natural process from occurring. Without the ability for natural cleansing, these liquids could have a detrimental effect on your teeth.
What If You Forget You’re Wearing the Trays?
We’re all human. We make mistakes. The truth is that Invisalign tray aligners are so comfortable that it is entirely possible to forget that you are wearing them! If that happens, please don’t panic. As soon as you realize that you have forgotten to remove your aligners, simply remove them.
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The best course of action is to rinse them thoroughly and brush them under running water if you can. If you can’t brush them immediately, please do that at your earliest opportunity. DO NOT re-insert your tray aligners until you have cleaned them and brushed your teeth.
If you are unable to brush your teeth immediately, rinse thoroughly with plain water, swishing the water to cleanse all areas of your teeth. It is very important not to leave residue from sugary or acidic drinks on your teeth, especially when wearing your trays.
Another problem with drinking while wearing your aligners is the potential for staining. Much like your teeth, beverages such as red wines, coffee, and teas can stain your tray aligners. Once stained, they won’t be as nearly invisible as when they are fresh and new.
Proper Care of Alignment Trays
Taking care of your trays is an important part of the overall treatment. Please follow the suggestions below:
- Rinse saliva residue from trays on removal
- Always store trays in the carrying case when not wearing them
- Brush your teeth regularly several times per day
- Floss at least once daily to remove food particles and plaque
- Clean trays with a soft-bristled brush, soap, and lukewarm water
- Soak (deep clean) trays once daily
- Remove your trays for all eating and drinking (other than water)
Taking care of your trays and teeth during treatment will ensure that you will complete treatment on time and that your smile will be awesome!
Additional Information is Available
If you would like additional information on Invisalign treatment, please check out our orthodontic blog for more articles like this. Centralia Orthodontics staff are available to answer your questions during treatment. Patients may call us at (360) 736-0129.
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