You should remove removable invisible braces, such as Invisalign aligners, before eating or drinking anything other than plain water, and put them back in after cleaning your teeth. This helps protect the aligners from damage and reduces the risk of staining and tooth decay.
Invisible aligners are designed to fit closely over your teeth. Food and drinks can become trapped underneath them, while biting down on food can crack or distort the plastic.
You can find more information about Invisalign in Harley Street at Bass Orthodontics or call us on 020 7580 8780.
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Eating with aligners in can put pressure on the plastic and cause cracks or changes to their shape. If an aligner becomes damaged, it may no longer fit correctly and could interfere with the planned movement of your teeth.
Food debris and sugary or acidic liquids can also become trapped between the aligner and your teeth. This can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum problems and bad breath.
If you accidentally take a bite of food while wearing your aligners, remove them and check for damage. Rinse your mouth and clean the aligners before putting them back in. Contact your orthodontist if they are cracked, warped or no longer fit properly.
See also: What can you drinking during Invisalign treatment
No, you should remove your Invisalign aligners before drinking tea or coffee, particularly because hot drinks can distort the plastic and drinks can stain the trays or increase the risk of tooth decay.
Even if you drink tea or coffee without sugar, it is best to take your aligners out first. Let very hot drinks cool before drinking them if your teeth are sensitive, and clean your teeth before replacing your aligners where possible.
Plain water is the safest drink while your aligners are in your mouth. Once you have finished your tea or coffee, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth before putting the trays back in.
No, it is best to remove your aligners before smoking, and smoking is harmful to your oral health whether you wear aligners or not.
Tobacco smoke can stain aligners and teeth, while smoking can also affect gum health and increase the risk of oral disease. Removing the trays does not remove these health risks.
If you smoke, speak to your dentist or orthodontist about protecting your teeth and gums during treatment. Keep your aligners clean and return them to your mouth only when appropriate.
You should keep your aligners out for as little time as practical during meals. Many removable aligner plans recommend wearing them for around 20 to 22 hours each day, although your own orthodontist's instructions should take priority.
Try to eat meals rather than grazing throughout the day, as frequent snacking can make it harder to achieve your daily wear time. After eating, clean your teeth and put your aligners back in promptly.
If brushing is not possible straight away, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and brush as soon as you can.
Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water and clean them using a soft toothbrush and the method recommended by your orthodontist. Avoid hot water, which may distort the plastic, and do not use abrasive products unless your orthodontist has advised you to.
You should also brush your teeth carefully and clean between them every day. Good oral hygiene is particularly important because aligners sit closely against the teeth for much of the day.
Following these simple rules can help keep your aligners clear, protect your oral health and keep your treatment on track.
