How to Know it’s Time for Orthodontic Retreatment
August 30, 2022
You must take off your Invisalign aligners before drinking anything other than water.
It’s crucial to remember to remove your aligners before drinking anything other than water. Here’s why:
The aligners for Invisalign are made of transparent plastic. Coffee and other hot drinks might distort the plastic when consumed while wearing Invisalign. Fit determines how well Invisalign works. Your teeth won’t get the force required to accomplish the motions your orthodontist planned into that pair of aligners if the plastic warps and the fit is incorrect. This can affect your outcomes or force you to put on that tray once more.
Cavities or tooth enamel erosion may result from consuming anything sweet or acidic while wearing Invisalign aligners, as well as from drinking and then putting your aligners back in right away without first cleaning your mouth. The tight fit of the aligners will trap the sugar or acid, keeping it in contact with your teeth for a longer amount of time and perhaps doing more harm. Your saliva won’t wash it away the way it usually does.
It’s okay to have the odd glass of soda or alcoholic beverage while wearing Invisalign as long as you remove your aligners beforehand and thoroughly cleanse your mouth. When drinking beverages like coffee, red wine, or tea while wearing Invisalign aligners, the plastic may get stained. Since your aligners will be visible, this somewhat negates the objective of having nearly undetectable treatment.
When drinking while wearing Invisalign, remember these guidelines to prevent cavities, stains, and other problems:
Before consuming a drink, remove your Invisalign aligners and place them back in their case.
Refrain from the urge to savor each sip or nurse a drink for many hours. Even if it goes without saying that you shouldn’t consume alcohol too soon, you should consume soda or sports drinks all at once. If this doesn’t happen, the remineralization process won’t have a chance to start, and the acids will have more time to harm your teeth.
Get plenty of water. Some of the plaque, acid, and sugar will be washed away by drinking water. Saliva, which is essential for balancing the acids in plaque and maintaining the health of teeth, is also stimulated.
If you can, swirl some water around in your mouth and then spit it out after taking a drink before replacing your aligners. Whether you have Invisalign or braces, periodically rinsing your mouth out is helpful and a good rule to follow when you are out for the evening.
Maintain a strict oral hygiene regimen. Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth in the morning, after meals, snacks, and just before going to bed. Remember to floss at least once daily.
Always keep everything in proportion. A cup of coffee or a glass of wine are both acceptable, but moderation is the key to a happy smile.
Call us at 407-876-2991 for an appointment or visit Tringas Orthodontics at our Orlando location in Lake Nona where we also serve St Cloud residents. We are located at 13250 Narcoossee Rd, Suite #100, Orlando, FL 32832. Our Windermere office, where we also serve Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, Metro West and Ocoee, is located at 422 Main St, #2, Windermere, FL 34786.
Known as “Dr. T” to his patients, Andrew J. Tringas, DMD, MS, is an Orthodontist, creating outstanding smiles for his patients every day.
