Invisalign is a removable clear aligner system that replaces the need for metal brackets and wires in traditional braces. Invisalign can address an array of orthodontic problems in teens and adults, including misalignment, overcrowding, gaps, and bite problems while making treatment more comfortable, hygienic, and discreet. Read on in this blog from Cedar Avenue Family Dentistry to learn more about Invisalign.
You cannot chew gum while wearing your aligners. However, you can chew gum as long as you remove them first. Keep in mind that you need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day so you should only be removing them to eat, drink flavored or hot beverages, and clean your teeth.
This is why it is not recommended to chew gum during Invisalign treatment because you will be increasing the amount of time that you are removing your aligners outside of what you already need to do (eat, drink, brush, and floss).
If you want to quickly chew gum or you’re able to fit some gum chewing into your daily routine without exceeding 2 hours of aligner removal per day, then you’re free to do so. Our family dentists in Flagstaff recommend that you chew sugar-free gum or brush and floss before putting your aligners back on.
This is another instance where yes, you can drink soda as long as you remove your aligners first. The only beverage that you can drink while wearing your aligners is cold or room temperature water.
Hot liquids should also be avoided while wearing your aligners because they can warp the mold of your aligners, rendering them unable to properly shift your teeth.
Flavored beverages can stain your aligners and cause a buildup of bacteria in your aligners because the left-behind sugar will cause plaque to convert the sugar into acids and attack your enamel until cavities form.
You will need to remove your aligners before eating candy or any type of food while undergoing Invisalign treatment. You will need to brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back on to prevent stain and plaque buildup.
You should always remove your aligners before consuming anything other than cool or room temperature water. Always rinse out your aligners when you take them out and before putting them back in.
If you eat or drink, you should brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in because the food particles and sugar left on your teeth will get trapped in your aligners and increase your risk of cavities.
Always be mindful of how often and for how long you are removing your aligners. You should try to eat and drink with intention so you aren’t mindlessly removing your aligners all the time and compromising your treatment. If you don’t wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day, your next set of aligners will not fit and you will delay your treatment.
Invisalign makes orthodontic treatment so much more convenient, flexible, and restriction-free. Contact us at Cedar Avenue Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kurz or Dr. Chittenden to find out if you’re a good candidate.
