At Fredericksburg Orthodontics & Invisalign Center, we find one of the greatest advantages to using Invisalign is that you will receive maximum results with minimal impact on your daily life. Invisalign is smooth and comfortable, easy to insert, and simple to remove. The ability to remove Invisalign aligners allows you to enjoy all your favorite foods and beverages without the concern of getting food stuck in the wires and brackets of traditional braces.
Eating with Invisalign
Your Invisalign trays are durable and strong, however you will need to remove them before you eat or drink beverages. The act of chewing can break, crack or distort the aligner. If damaged even slightly, the Invisalign tray will not be able to align your teeth properly.
Beverages with Invisalign
It may seem like you can drink beverages with aligners in your mouth. However, repeatedly exposing your Invisalign aligner to warm or hot liquids can distort them. A distorted aligner will not be able to effectively straighten your teeth. If you feel like your aligner may be distorted call Fredericksburg Orthodontics and Invisalign Center to have it evaluated for damage.
A vital part of good oral health is the neutralizing effect of saliva. When we consume acidic drinks or food, the saliva washes away the acid and reduces your risk of tooth decay. When you drink acidic beverages with Invisalign in your mouth, they become trapped in the tray and your saliva doesn’t have direct contact with your teeth to neutralize them. It is in the best interest of your oral health to remove aligners when drinking fluids except water.
Colored drinks may also change the color of your teeth. Therefore, drinking colored liquids while wearing Invisalign would counteract the invisibility.
Best Habits During Invisalign Treatment
Clean your Aligners with liquid soap and water (toothpaste may scratch the Aligners). You should soak them once a day in denture cleaner (Efferdent) for 8-10 minutes. Brush and floss your teeth after each meal or snack prior to re-inserting your Aligners. If you don’t have access to a toothbrush, you can simply rinse your mouth and then clean your Aligners by holding them under warm running water. It’s not the best way to clean, but it works in a pinch. Be sure to thoroughly clean your Aligners at your earliest convenience. Do not use hot water on your Aligners, only cool water or they may shrink or stretch. If you become ill, soaking your aligners in one part bleach to five parts water solution may reduce the chance of reinfection.
If you have any questions or concerns about your Invisalign aligners, do not hesitate to call us at 540-898-7211. Fredericksburg Orthodontics & Invisalign Center is here to help!