Many people with Invisalign aligners sometimes yearn for a sip of their favorite sodas, such as Sprite, especially during social gatherings or simply as a part of their daily routine. Invisalign is a popular option for orthodontic treatment, as it offers a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces.
So, can you drink Sprite with Invisalign?
Can You Drink Soda With Invisalign?
The short answer is yes. It’s because the Invisalign aligners are removable and can be taken out before you drink anything other than water. The aligners are made of a smooth and clear plastic material that fits snugly over your teeth, allowing them to be easily removed and worn again after eating or drinking.
However, it’s important to note that while you can technically drink Sprite or other sodas with Invisalign, it’s not recommended for various reasons:
- Acidity. Soda is highly acidic and regularly exposing your natural teeth to these acids can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion. When wearing Invisalign, this acidity can get trapped against your teeth, increasing the potential for damage.
- Increased Risk of Cavities. As we all know, soda is high in sugar and can lead to tooth decay. Consuming regularly can increase the risk of cavities and other dental problems. Wearing aligners while drinking Sprite may trap the sugar between your teeth and aligners, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
- Staining. The coloring in many sodas can stain your teeth and aligners, making them more noticeable and reducing their effectiveness.
- Potential Damage to Aligners. Soda contains carbonation, and the bubbles in soda can potentially cause damage to your aligners by creating small cracks or weakening them over time.
How Much Sugar Is In a Can of Sprite?
A standard 12-ounce (355mL) can of Sprite contains 38 grams of sugar or about 9.5 teaspoons. This sugar comes in the form of high fructose corn syrup, an ingredient found in many sweetened beverages. Moreover, the World Health Organization recommends limiting your sugar intake to not more than six teaspoons per day. Therefore, a single can of Sprite contains more than one and a half times the recommended daily sugar intake limit.
This high sugar content can be harmful to dental health. For many dental patients, consuming sugary beverages is a major factor that causes tooth decay and cavities. Sugar itself doesn’t damage the teeth, but when it encounters the bad bacteria in the mouth, it produces acid.
This acid erodes the enamel, the outer protective layer of the tooth, and this erosion can lead to cavities or tooth decay. Continuous erosion could cause more severe dental problems and lead to orthodontic treatment. Moreover, the acids in fizzy drinks can be harmful. The low pH level in these drinks can help the sugar-caused acids to demineralize teeth rapidly, causing serious dental problems.
Other Drinks to Avoid While Wearing Invisalign
Aside from soda, you must avoid other types of drinks to keep your Invisalign clean and functioning. These drinks include:
- Alcohol Beverages. Alcoholic drinks are high in sugar and acidity, both of which can damage the Invisalign aligners and cause them to discolor or warp. Also, certain types of alcohol, like red wine, can cause severe staining.
- Coffee and Tea. These types of hot beverages are known for their staining properties, which can discolor your aligners and teeth. Hot coffee and tea can also warp the aligners due to their high temperature.
- Fruit Juices. High-acidic drinks like fruit juices can erode the aligners and your tooth enamel. The sugar in these acidic beverages can also lead to cavities.
- Sports Drinks. These sugary drinks contain high amounts of sugar and acid that can cause damage to both your aligners and teeth.
- Hot Drinks. Any type of hot drink can warp or distort your aligners since they are made of plastic. Even lukewarm drinks should be avoided to ensure nothing bad happens to your aligners.
- Colored Drinks. Any drink with heavy dyes can stain the aligners, just like how it can stain your teeth. It can range from certain types of alcohol to vegetable juices.
How to Remove Colored Stains on Invisalign
- Rinse the Invisalign. First things first, rinse your Invisalign with lukewarm water. It is essential not to use hot water as that could potentially warp the plastic and ruin your aligners.
- Prepare a Cleaning Solution. Mix 50% water and 50% white vinegar or mild dish soap (without harsh chemicals) in a bowl. You can also use 50% hydrogen peroxide with 50% water. Use enough solution to submerge Invisalign completely.
- Soak the Invisalign. Once your cleaning solution is ready, soak your Invisalign for about 15 to 30 minutes. If the stain is stubborn, you may need to soak them longer or even overnight.
- Brush the Invisalign. After soaking, gently brush the Invisalign with a soft-bristled toothbrush to break up any leftover stain particles. Be gentle to avoid scratching the aligners. Don’t use toothpaste or colored soap because they can also discolor your aligners.
- Rinsing. Rinse the washed Invisalign with lukewarm water.
- Inspect the Invisalign. Look closely at the Invisalign to see if any stains remain. If yes, repeat the process.
- Dry the Invisalign. Let the Invisalign air dry on a clean towel or tissue, ensuring they are free from dust and debris.
The best way to avoid staining is proper daily care. Always remove the Invisalign when eating or drinking anything apart from water, and brush your teeth before placing the aligners back in to avoid trapping food particles against your teeth. Never use colored or scented soap to clean your aligners; they can leave residues or discolor them. If your plastic aligners are heavily stained or damaged, you will need to get a replacement.
Can I Drink Soda With Invisalign? Talk to Monadnock Dental Associates Today!
The question, “Can I drink Sprite with Invisalign?” really depends on your priorities. But you have to remember that drinking Sprite or any type of soda poses huge risks to your dental health and the integrity of the aligners. These beverages’ high sugar content and acidity can lead to tooth decay, enamel erosion, and aligner damage, such as staining and warping.
To maintain optimal oral health and get the most out of your Invisalign treatment, avoid or consume these drinks cautiously, remove your aligners beforehand, and ensure thorough oral hygiene after consumption. Remember, plain water is the best choice for staying hydrated without compromising your dental care or the effectiveness of your aligners.
If you’re considering getting Invisalign treatment, our team of dentists who are Invisalign-certified at Monadnock Dental Associates can help you achieve your dream smile. During your consultation, they will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw if you’re eligible to have the procedure. They will also discuss what happens if you drink soda with Invisalign and answer any questions you may have.
Contact Monadnock Dental Associates today to schedule your appointment!
