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Invisalign

Posted on April 21st, 2020 by Dr. David J. Griffin

Invisalign is a state-of-the-art alternative to braces for anyone, from teens to adults. Invisalign has transformed smiles over and over again with their clear, custom-fit aligners. These clear aligners are removable, making them a safer option for kids in sports or adults who would like to discretely perfect their smiles.

While Invisalign’s benefits seem to be endless, they do require diligent care. This includes minding what you eat or drink, similarly to traditional braces. In fact, Invisalign directions state to remove aligners before drinking any beverage other than cold or room temperature water. Aligners could face potential harm when consuming anything other than cold or room temperature water. Here are some reasons why:

  • Drinks other than water can stain aligners (similar to your teeth!)
  • Hot liquids could cause aligners to warp
  • Sugary and acidic drinks can seep in between the snug fit of the aligners, trapping bacteria close to teeth for extended periods of time, potentially causing erosion or tooth decay

This may seem restricting, and some may say, “just take out the aligners!” However, take a moment to consider the time commitment Invisalign requires. Aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day in order to be successful. Consider your morning cup of coffee or orange juice. Time can fly when you’re enjoying your cup of joe—and next thing you know, 30 minutes has flown by! Not to mention, you must also remember to put them back in once you’ve finished your glass. Once a day may be fine but consider this multiple times a day with any sugary or acidic beverage—Invisalign’s overall success may be jeopardized!

If you have eaten or drank without removing your Invisalign aligners other than water, don’t panic! Simply remove your aligners, rinse your mouth and aligners, and put them immediately back in. If you have a toothbrush and toothpaste nearby, brush your teeth and aligners before putting them back in. Remember, if you are removing your aligners to brush or clean them, to do so quickly to avoid prolonging treatment!

Today, more people than ever — both adults and teens — are finding that clear aligners suit their needs best. Are you one of them?

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