Invisalign is a modern orthodontic solution that has made it easier and more comfortable for many people to straighten out their teeth, and it also allows patients to eat or drink anything they like during treatment. However, it is crucial to remove your clear aligners before eating or drinking anything but water, and dark beverages like coffee and red wine can be especially problematic. Here’s a brief guide to enjoying these libations without causing tooth decay or unsightly dental stains.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses a customized sequence of clear aligners to gradually straighten a patient’s teeth into healthier and more visually pleasing positions. The patient must wear each set of aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours each day for about two weeks before switching to the next set in their sequence, and each pair will pick up where the last one left off. These devices are virtually invisible when worn and can usually straighten out mild to moderate misalignments in six to eighteen months.
What’s the Problem with Coffee and Red Wine?
Coffee and red wine can be delightful beverages, but they are both acidic and rich in stain-causing pigments and tannins. Coffee contains caffeine and red wine contains alcohol, and both of these drugs have dehydrating effects that can limit your body’s ability to produce healthy amounts of saliva. This can leave your teeth will less natural protection against decay and discoloration.
To make matters worse, wearing your Invisalign aligners without brushing your teeth after drinking coffee or red wine can shelter the residue these beverages leave from your mouth’s natural cleaning process. This can allow bacteria to infect your teeth and staining agents to penetrate your enamel while also discoloring your aligners, which will make them conspicuous and unsightly.
Can I Enjoy Coffee and Red Wine with Invisalign?
While you can enjoy coffee and red wine during Invisalign treatment, it’s important to make sure you take the proper precautions. These include:
- Enjoying coffee and red wine in moderation.
- Drinking a tall glass of water alongside your coffee or red wine to dilute harmful chemicals and promote proper saliva flow.
- Thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth at least thirty minutes after drinking coffee or red wine before putting your aligners back in.
- Carefully rinsing your aligners before wearing them.
You can responsibly indulge in coffee and red wine during Invisalign treatment. With excellent oral hygiene, you’ll be able to keep your smile in great shape while it’s being straightened out.
About the Practice
Boyd & Walther Tallahassee Dental Associates offers outstanding oral healthcare to the local community. Led by Drs. Ransey Boyd and Kirstin Walther, the staff treats each patient with the utmost respect and courtesy while maintaining a friendly and clean office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To learn more about proper Invisalign hygiene, contact the office online or dial (850) 878-4117.