One of the biggest attractions of Invisalign is that the clear aligners are removable. But if you’re thinking about Invisalign, you might be wondering what wearing aligners is actually like once you leave the dental practice and get back to normal life.
Can you eat normally? Can you drink coffee? How do you clean Invisalign? And do you really need to wear the aligners all day?
How many hours a day do you wear Invisalign?
Invisalign Australia advises that aligners are typically worn for around 20–22 hours each day. That means your aligners will be in your mouth for most of the day and night.
Can you eat with Invisalign?
Your aligners are generally removed when you eat. Because you remove your aligners for meals, you don’t have brackets and wires creating the same types of food restrictions associated with conventional braces.
Take your aligners out before eating and remember to put them back in afterwards.
What can I drink while wearing Invisalign?
Water is generally the safest drink while your aligners are in place. Your aligners should generally be removed when drinking other beverages unless your treating dentist advises otherwise.
Sugary or acidic drinks can become trapped around the teeth underneath aligners, coloured beverages may stain aligners, and hot drinks can potentially affect the aligner material.
What about going to restaurants?
You can remove your aligners before eating, enjoy your meal and replace them afterwards. Make sure you have somewhere safe and hygienic to store them. Carrying your aligner case is a useful habit.
Can I take Invisalign out for an important meeting or event?
The fact that Invisalign is removable provides flexibility. However, your aligners still need to be worn for the prescribed amount of time each day. If you’re considering leaving them out for an extended period, speak with your dental team.
How do I clean my teeth with Invisalign?
Good oral hygiene remains extremely important during Invisalign treatment. One advantage of removable aligners is that you can brush and floss without having to navigate around fixed brackets and wires.
How do I clean Invisalign aligners?
Your aligners also need regular care. Follow the cleaning instructions provided by Invisalign and your treating dentist. Avoid using extremely hot water or harsh household cleaning products unless specifically advised.
Will Invisalign affect the way I speak?
Some people may initially notice a slight difference in speech when they first begin wearing aligners. For many patients, this becomes less noticeable as they become accustomed to wearing them.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Orthodontic treatment involves applying controlled forces to move teeth. You may experience temporary pressure or discomfort, particularly when beginning treatment or progressing through your prescribed aligners. If you experience significant, persistent or unexpected pain, contact your treating dentist.
What if I lose an Invisalign aligner?
Don’t simply guess which aligner to wear next. Contact your dental practice and explain what’s happened. Your dentist can advise what to do based on where you are in your individual treatment sequence.
Can I sleep with Invisalign?
Yes. Because Invisalign aligners are typically prescribed for approximately 20–22 hours of wear each day, they are generally worn while sleeping.
Can I exercise with Invisalign?
For most everyday exercise, wearing clear aligners isn’t necessarily a problem. However, Invisalign aligners aren’t a replacement for an appropriate sports mouthguard. If you play a contact sport or activity with a risk of impact to the teeth, discuss suitable protection with your dentist.
What happens when it’s time for the next aligner?
Your Invisalign treatment plan involves progressing through a prescribed sequence of aligners. Follow the schedule given to you by your dentist and don’t move to the next aligner earlier simply because the current one feels comfortable.
The secret to living successfully with Invisalign: routine
Think: Remove → Eat → Clean → Replace.
Keep your aligner case with you. Look after your teeth. Wear your aligners consistently. Attend your recommended reviews. Contact your dental team if something doesn’t seem right.
Considering Invisalign in Brisbane?
At Alderley Dental, you can discuss your smile goals and whether Invisalign may be an option for you before deciding whether you’d like to explore treatment further.
We’re located in Alderley, approximately 6km north of Brisbane CBD, and welcome patients from surrounding areas including Enoggera, Newmarket, Gaythorne and Stafford.
If you’re only beginning to explore your options, you can also start from home through our Virtual Smile Consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you eat while wearing Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are generally removed for eating. Follow the specific instructions provided by your treating dentist. - Can you drink coffee with Invisalign?
Aligners should generally be removed for beverages other than water. Speak with your dentist about caring for your aligners and teeth if you regularly drink coffee, tea or other beverages. - Can you sleep with Invisalign?
Yes. Invisalign aligners are typically worn for approximately 20–22 hours per day, which includes while you’re sleeping. - How often should I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Aligners require regular cleaning. Follow the care instructions provided by Invisalign and your treating dental professional. - Can I remove Invisalign for a night out?
Invisalign is removable, but treatment relies on wearing the aligners according to the prescribed schedule. Regularly leaving them out for extended periods could interfere with treatment. - What should I do if I lose an aligner?
Contact your dental practice for advice rather than deciding yourself whether to move forwards or backwards in your aligner sequence.
Ready to find out more?
Explore Invisalign treatment at Alderley Dental, book a complimentary initial Invisalign suitability consultation, or submit your smile through our Virtual Smile Consultation to get started from home.
The complimentary consultation is an initial suitability discussion and is not a comprehensive dental examination. Any additional diagnostic records, scans or examinations required will be discussed separately.
All dental treatment carries risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Individual consultation with a dental practitioner is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.
