Few things are more refreshing than an ice-cold soda, but if you’re in the middle of Invisalign treatment, it’s worth hesitating before you take that first sip! Your clear aligners give you plenty of freedom compared to traditional braces, yet that freedom comes with one important rule: anything other than water means your aligners come out first. Here’s what happens when soda and Invisalign are combined, why it’s not a great idea, and how to keep your treatment on track.
What Soda Does to Your Teeth (and Invisalign)
Invisalign aligners fit snugly over your teeth and are designed to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day. However, because of this, anything you drink while wearing them gets trapped between the plastic and your teeth. This means plain water is the only beverage that’s safe to have with your aligners in. Soda, juice, sports drinks, and coffee all need to wait until your trays are out.
Remember, most sodas are acidic and also loaded with sugar. Normally, your saliva helps wash these away, but when you’re wearing aligners, the liquid gets held against your teeth for long periods. This increases your risk of enamel erosion, cavities, and white spots on your teeth, which can remain after your treatment is finished. It’s also worth mentioning that your aligners are meant to be nearly invisible, but dark and brightly colored sodas can leave them looking cloudy or discolored.
How to Enjoy Soda with Invisalign
If you can’t bear the thought of parting with soda completely during your treatment, a few simple habits can reduce the impact:
- Always take your aligners out before drinking anything other than clear water, which includes soda.
- Finishing a soda in one sitting is much better than sipping it all day.
- Rinsing your mouth with water and swishing it around can help wash away sugary and acidic particles.
- Be sure to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
- If possible, drink your soda through a straw to limit its contact with your teeth.
The bottom line is, soda doesn’t have to be completely off the table, but it should never be consumed while you’re wearing your aligners, period. It will lead to stained trays and potentially stained teeth, among other issues!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has been a staple in the New England community for several years. We offer a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, from tried-and-true metal braces to comfortable, convenient Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re interested in scheduling a visit for yourself or a loved one, you can reach out online or call today for more information.
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