Can you drink tea with Invisalign?

Clear aligners should be removed when eating or drinking anything besides water.

Invisalign is an increasingly popular treatment, and for good reason — clear aligners are comfortable, and a convenient option for most lifestyles. One of the ways in which clear aligners differ from traditional braces is that they can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning. In fact, it is very important that you do remove your clear aligners for every meal, snack, and beverage. Read on to find out why…

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign involves the use of a series of custom-made clear aligners. The aligners are made from a flexible plastic that is comfortable — and virtually invisible — to wear. For this reason, the treatment is very popular among teenagers and adults looking for a discreet orthodontic solution.

Invisalign aligners are custom-made to suit each patient. This ensures optimal results can be achieved. The aligners work by applying constant pressure to the teeth, which gradually forces them to move into new positions over time.

What can you eat and drink with Invisalign?

One of the major benefits of Invisalign is that there are no dietary restrictions for the course of your treatment. You can enjoy all your favourite foods and drinks while you are straightening your teeth. That said, it is very important that you remove your clear aligners every time that you eat or drink.

If you drink anything besides water whilst wearing your clear aligners, your aligners can become stained over time. This will detract from the discreet and aesthetically pleasing nature of your treatment. It is also important to know that hot beverages like tea and coffee can warp your clear aligners, which will have a detrimental effect on the progress of your treatment.

If you eat with your aligners in your mouth, the pressure of chewing could cause serious damage to your aligners. Also, many foods can lead to discolouration and stains on your clear aligners.

To maintain your oral health throughout the course of your orthodontic treatment, it is important that food and drinks don’t get stuck between your aligners and your teeth. This can promote the growth of bacteria and contribute to issues like tooth decay and bad breath.

How should you take care of your aligners?

Besides removing your aligners for eating and drinking, it is also important that you clean them on a regular basis. You can do this by removing your aligners every night and rinsing them with some water before brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a gentle liquid soap to get rid of any food particles that may have built up during the day. When you have finished brushing, give your aligners another rinse with water.

To achieve optimal results, you should wear your aligners for between 20 and 22 hours every day. If you do need to remove them for any reason, be sure to store them in a protective case to avoid damage.

How can we help?

At Kitchener Street Dental, we offer a number of orthodontic solutions, including Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic, which makes the treatment very discreet.

If you are considering the treatment but are not sure whether or not you a suitable candidate, we encourage you to come in and see us for a consultation. We will examine your teeth and determine your particular needs, as well as your aesthetic goals. We will let you know what you can expect from the treatment process, as well as how to take care of your aligners and oral health throughout the course of your orthodontic treatment.

If you would like to find out more about Invisalign, as well as the other orthodontic solutions that we offer at Kitchener Street Dental, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation, please give us a call on 07 4638 5111 or get in touch with us here.