Dental braces have been the go-to solution for crooked or misaligned teeth for many years. However, with the advancements in dental technology, Invisalign clear aligners provide a more comfortable orthodontic process.
A draw to Invisalign is the freedom to maintain your diet. Cutting out your favourite chewy or hard snacks isn’t necessary, but you do have to be mindful of eating and drinking while wearing your Invisalign.
Drinking coffee with your Invisalign can stain the aligners, making your teeth look yellow and discoloured. When you get your Invisalign, talk to your dentist about the guidelines around foods and drinks to keep your smile’s progress on track.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a dental treatment that uses clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. The treatment involves the use of a series of aligners that you move through gradually over a period of time.
They are designed to fit your mouth perfectly, making them more comfortable than traditional braces. In addition, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, making them a popular cosmetic option for people who want to improve their teeth’ appearance subtly.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The aligners exert gentle pressure against your teeth to move them into the desired position. You can expect to wear a set of aligners for 2 weeks before replacing them with a new set.
Each set of aligners differs slightly from the previous one, allowing your teeth to move gradually to a straighter position. The length of the treatment varies depending on the severity of your dental condition, but it typically lasts between 6 and 18 months.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is suitable for most people with mild to moderate dental conditions, such as:
- Overcrowding
- Spacing problems
- Overbite
- Underbite
During your consultation, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and gums to determine whether Invisalign is right for you. If not, your dentist may recommend alternative treatments.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
There are several benefits of Invisalign treatment. For instance, they:
- Are comfortable
- Come with fewer restrictions than traditional braces
- Are removable
- Let you eat what you want without worrying about damage to the aligner
- Make brushing and flossing easier
- Reduce gum irritation compared to regular braces
Can You Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
If you’re a coffee lover, you may wonder if you can still enjoy your daily dose of caffeine while wearing Invisalign.
Invisalign aligners are made of a sturdy, quality material that can withstand daily wear and tear. However, coffee can stain your aligners, making them less discrete.
When Invisalign aligners get stained, they can become yellowish and noticeable, making it challenging to keep your treatment under wraps. So, what can you do to prevent staining?
Remove Your Aligners Before Drinking Coffee
Removing your aligners before drinking coffee is one of the best ways to protect them from staining. When you remove your aligners, you expose your teeth to the coffee, which can stain them, but your aligners remain safe.
Rinse Your Mouth with Water After Drinking Coffee
After drinking your coffee, rinse your mouth with water to remove any coffee residue that may have settled on your teeth. If you place your aligners back on your teeth after your last sip, you can trap bacteria and acids between the teeth and Invisalign, causing yellow staining.
Rinsing with water is a quick and easy step that can go a long way in preventing staining on your Invisalign aligners.
Proper At-Home Care & Cleaning for Invisalign
Like any dental appliance, proper care and cleaning are crucial to a successful treatment.
Always Brush Your Teeth & Aligners Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth and Invisalign aligners twice a day is essential to keep them clean and prevent the build-up of bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush your aligners gently.
Refrain from using any product with harsh chemicals to avoid damaging your aligners. Rinse your mouth and aligners thoroughly after brushing.
Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Hydrated
Always keep your aligners soaked in water when you’re not wearing them for an extended period to wash away food particles, acids, and bacteria build-up that can cause stains.
You can also use Invisalign cleaning crystals to keep your aligners clean and hygienic.
Say No to Hot Beverages
Invisalign aligners are constructed to withstand pressure but can warp if exposed to high temperatures. Avoid drinking hot beverages like tea and coffee while wearing your aligners, as the heat can cause them to bend, affecting your teeth’s alignment.
Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing is a necessary step in maintaining good oral hygiene, even when you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment. Flossing helps remove food particles and bacteria from areas that brushing and swishing cannot reach, allowing your teeth and aligners to remain clean and healthy.
Visit Your Invisalign Provider Regularly
Visiting your Invisalign provider regularly is crucial to keep your treatment progressing as planned. Your dentist may check your teeth’s alignment and make any necessary adjustments to your aligners to keep your smile on track.
Remember to bring your aligners during your visits so your dentist can check if they fit correctly.
Achieve a Straighter Smile with Invisalign
Invisalign treatment is an excellent way to achieve straighter teeth with minimal interference in your daily life. With its clear plastic aligners and custom-fit approach, Invisalign offers several advantages over traditional braces.However, you should be mindful of what you consume when wearing Invisalign aligners, including coffee. The team at Shin Dentistry can guide you through the Invisalign process to achieve a successful result. Book an appointment and enjoy a more symmetrical smile.
