While metal braces have been used to treat misaligned teeth for decades, Invisalign presents an alternative for both adults and teens. With Invisalign clear aligners, you can pursue the smile you want without the look of braces. You can also floss and brush like usual, because Invisalign aligners are removable.
However, there are things to keep in mind when it comes to eating and drinking while using Invisalign. For starters, drinking coffee while wearing your aligners is not recommended. You can, however, remove your aligners and drink coffee while they’re off. Keep reading to learn more about eating and drinking with Invisalign.
Basics of Invisalign
Invisalign is a removable orthodontic device designed to treat dental issues such as overbites, open bites, gap teeth, and more. It’s a clear aligner that’s less noticeable than traditional metal braces, and it has been on the market since 1998.
During Invisalign treatment, a 3-D image is created of the patient’s mouth. This image is used to create a custom series of aligners. The patient then wears a new aligner every week or two, gradually moving their teeth to their desired position. Aligners are typically worn 22 hours a day, and are removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, as well as for cleaning the aligners.
Pros & Cons of Invisalign
For many people, the subtle appearance of Invisalign presents an exciting alternative to traditional braces. However, like any medical treatment, there are benefits and drawbacks.
Pros of Invisalign include:
- Aesthetic appearance: Clear aligners are an attractive choice for those who don’t like the look of traditional braces.
- Removable: Being able to remove your aligners means you can brush and floss your teeth as usual. You can also remove your aligners to clean them.
- Comfort: The force applied by Invisalign is designed to be gentle and gradual. You’re also able to take breaks from Invisalign by removing your aligners. (However, discuss with your orthodontist if discomfort leads you to take frequent breaks, as this may affect the effectiveness of the treatment.) Invisalign also lacks the sharp and often uncomfortable metal bits that braces have.
- No food limitations: People who wear braces need to avoid certain foods. But because Invisalign is removable, you don’t need to change your diet.
Cons of Invisalign:
- Not suitable for all conditions: Invisalign may not be effective for more complex conditions.
- More research is needed: Invisalign is still a relatively new treatment. More research is needed to understand its effectiveness.
- Must be worn 22 hours a day: Invisalign must be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning. This may be challenging for people who prefer sipping or snacking.
- Some discomfort: Invisalign may be more comfortable than braces, but some discomfort may still be involved. Your teeth may be sore when you remove the aligners.
Eating & Drinking with Invisalign
In general, you should:
- Remove your Invisalign aligners when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
- Wear your aligners 22 hours a day.
This means that you can eat or drink anything while not wearing your aligners (unless you’re sore, in which case you should avoid hard foods).
Removing your aligners to eat and drink is important, because if you wear your aligners while eating and drinking, food can get stuck in them. This then raises your risk of cavities.
Can You Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
You can drink coffee while undergoing Invisalign treatment, but don’t wear your aligners and drink coffee at the same time.
According to the makers of Invisalign, “[C]offee won’t necessarily affect your Invisalign treatment, but it can cause staining on your aligners and teeth.” They also recommend brushing your teeth or rinsing out your mouth after drinking coffee and before putting your aligners back in.
Eating & Drinking with Invisalign: What to Keep in Mind
Here are more tips on eating and drinking with Invisalign:
- Water: You can drink room temperature water while wearing your Invisalign aligners—in fact, it’s the only recommended drink when the aligners are being worn. However, you should remove your aligners before drinking sparkling or hot water. Heat can warp the plastic and affect fit and effectiveness.
- Straws: You can use a straw while wearing your Invisalign aligners. A straw keeps liquid (and any acids and sugars in the liquid) from lingering too long in the mouth. However, it’s not a “free pass” to drink anything and everything, and you should still brush (or at least rinse) your teeth after using a straw with your aligners.
- Regularly clean your aligners: The makers of Invisalign recommend rinsing your aligners with lukewarm water every time you remove them. You should also brush your aligners with a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste every day, then rinse them with warm water.
- Regularly visit your orthodontist: Finally, keep up with your orthodontic appointments so your orthodontist can keep track of your progress.
Are You a Candidate for Invisalign?
Talk to your orthodontist if you’re interested in Invisalign. Whether you’re a suitable candidate depends on your bite condition, lifestyle factors, and how compliant you can realistically be at wearing the aligners 22 hours a day.
If you’re not a good candidate for Invisalign, other options are available, including traditional metal braces. Ceramic braces are another possibility: they’re more subtle than metal braces, but they also require more attention to cleaning.
If you’re interested in orthodontic treatment in Kitchener, try our quiz. You can also request a complimentary consultation.
Orthodontic Smile Studio in Kitchener strives to provide compassionate and patient-centred care. Whether you’re interested in braces, Invisalign, dental appliances, or orthodontics for children, we welcome you to book an appointment with us today.
