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Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums
Can I drink alcohol with Invisalign?
While wearing your detachable aligners, dental specialists advise you to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages such as red or white wine. However, if you can’t resist the desire, you should take your aligners out while drinking. More importantly, before placing the aligners back on, fully rinse your mouth or brush your teeth if feasible. You should wear your aligners for a maximum of 22 hours every day for the best results. If you don’t wear your aligners for the necessary time, it can slow down your treatment.
If you’re intending to drink alcohol and won’t be able to remove your Invisalign, consider the following suggestions:
- Make use of a straw: Although it’s nearly difficult to avoid all tooth-aligner-liquid interactions, straws allow the liquid to skip your teeth and aligners.
- Drink clear drinks: The least sugary are gin and vodka; mix them with tonic or sparkling water instead of fruit juices or carbonated beverages.
- Bring a toothbrush and toothpaste with you on your trip: If you’re going to an event where you’ll be drinking, wash your teeth whenever you get a chance. Brushing with your Invisalign removed makes things simpler to avoid plaque and tartar buildup.
What Effect Does Alcohol Have on Invisalign Braces?
Although drinking alcohol will not directly alter the fit or function of your aligners, it will have an aesthetic impact. It stains your teeth and aligners when you drink soda, red wine, beer, or other sweet beverages. Another reason to avoid consuming alcohol while wearing Invisalign is that the amount of sugar in these beverages can cause tooth decay, especially if you don’t rinse your mouth or clean your teeth afterward. This is because the drinks’ sugars and high acidic content lead your teeth to lose minerals more quickly, making them weak and more prone to cavities. Make sure to visit your dentist if you seek further guidance.