A lot of people who are undergoing Invisalign with Dr. Mir asked about Invisalign and alcohol. Overall, it’s ok to drink alcohol with Invisalign, but the frequency and volume of your drinking are a big matter.
Dehydration is a big cause of drinking alcohol, leading to increased levels of mouth dryness, making your Invisalign aligner uncomfortable, and also increasing the risk of cavities that not only prolong your treatment time but also affect the results of your dream smile.
Although some sources advise against drinking alcohol while wearing Invisalign, we do not suggest avoidance. However, we highly recommend drinking responsibly.
Let’s delve deeper and explore the effect of alcohol on Invisalign and the results of your treatment.
Invisalign and Alcohol
Here are five important points to keep in mind regarding the use of Invisalign aligners and alcohol.
Drinking with Invisalign:
You may encounter lots of valid sources that prevent you from drinking alcohol while wearing Invisalign. Why? Because you’re asked to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. Taking them out for an entire evening isn’t recommended.
What’s better to avoid: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks that can stain or damage the aligners.
What’s Ok: If you still want to indulge, first remove your aligners, enjoy your beverage, and then promptly wash and clean your teeth as well as the aligners before putting them back.
Invisalign Materials
Invisalign aligners are made from SmartTrack aligner material, which is a transparent, flexible medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane.
This material allows the aligners to be virtually unnoticeable when worn. Please notice that certain foods and drinks can interact with this material.
Drinking Alcohol and Aligners:
Red wine, in particular, can stain the aligners due to its color and pigmentation.
Alcohol, including beer and spirits, can also lead to bacterial growth and bad breath if consumed while wearing aligners.
Therefore, if you want to drink alcoholic beverages, first remove the aligners and then enjoy your beverage. That’s best to maintain your oral hygiene.
Straws and Invisalign:
Using a straw while drinking can help minimize contact between the aligners and liquids.
However, be cautious—using a straw with hot beverages (like coffee or tea) can warp the aligners. Always remember, if you choose a straw, opt for cold beverages.
Regular Cleaning:
After consuming any food or drink (including alcohol), brush your teeth thoroughly before putting the aligners back in. Rinse the aligners with water to remove any residue.
Regular cleaning is the key to maintaining the aligner’s clarity and preventing odor or staining.
Remember, while Invisalign offers flexibility and discreetness, following the guidelines ensures successful treatment. Cheers to a healthy smile!
Alcohol with Braces: Helpful Tips
When it comes to alcohol and braces, always keep these points in mind:
- Avoid babysitting your alcohol. Although slowly sipping may save you money and prevent rapid intoxication, it also hurts your mouth. The prolonged duration of your drinking causes your mouth to not have enough time to restore its PH balance, creating a perfect environment to promote bacteria growth.
- After alcoholic consumption, focus more on maintaining your body hydrated to avoid dehydration.
- No matter how tired you are, stick to your nightly routine and brush and floss before going to bed.
Alcohol and Mouth Ulcers
However, alcohol and mouth ulcers have no direct relationship with each other; alcoholic drinks, especially high-concentration alcoholic beverages, can contribute to or trigger them. Alcohol is acidic and, therefore, can irritate the mouth lining, making it more susceptible to ulcers.
Moreover, alcohol can worsen existing ulcers by increasing stomach acid and causing pain. Due to this, we advise you to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or other acidic foods or drinks while having mouth ulcers.
Dehydration and reduced saliva production are the other significant effects of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol consumption has a diuretic effect, meaning it stimulates your body to produce more urine, which can cause dehydration. The dehydrated body disturbs the secretion of saliva, which increases the risk of developing ulcers.
When it comes to mouth ulcers and alcohol use, remember that excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption not only hurts your oral health but also your immune system, making it less effective in fighting off infections and promoting healing. Therefore, your body’s function in healing damaged tissue, including mouth ulcers, will be delayed.
Please pay attention to this delicate point: not everybody who consumes alcohol will necessarily develop ulcers. The chance of this side-effect can vary depending on factors including, the frequency and volume of alcoholic consumption, individual susceptibility, overall oral health, and other lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor nutrition.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Mouth
As we mentioned above, the frequency and quantity of alcoholic consumption can affect your oral health badly. Here are some of the long-term effects of alcoholic beverages on your mouth:
- Tooth decay
- Mouth sores
- Gum disease
- Teeth staining
- Damaging mouth lining
- Increased risk of oral cancer
- Dehydration and dry mouth ultimately lead to gum disease and tooth decay
- Teeth erosion due to acid reflux or vomiting
Can Sores from Dirking Alcohol Be Dangerous?
In fact, persistent or recurring oral ulcers, lasting longer than two weeks, can indicate an underlying health concern. For proper diagnosis and treatment, consult a healthcare professional if you experience frequent or prolonged ulcers.
If you notice symptoms such as fever, severe pain, difficulty eating or drinking, or swollen lymph nodes, we highly advise you to seek medical advice.
Always remember that regular dental check-ups are key to maintaining oral health, especially for individuals who frequently consume alcohol. Dental professionals, through a thorough evaluation of your mouth, can address any concerns early on, preventing further complex complications down the line.
It’s important to remember that each case is unique. The severity and frequency of mouth ulcers can vary greatly from person to person. Consulting a healthcare professional ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and medical history.
Alcohol and Canker Sore- Can Alcohol Worsen It?
Canker sores are those pesky little mouth ulcers that make even the simplest things, like eating or talking, uncomfortable. While there is no exact reason for canker sores, several factors can trigger or worsen them, including alcohol.
Now, the question is: can alcohol truly worsen canker sores? Let’s delve deeper:
- Direct irritation: Alcohol is a known irritant, and when consumed, it comes into direct contact with already inflamed tissues, potentially causing further irritation and discomfort.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages can contribute to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and zinc, which play a significant role in oral health and healing.
- Dehydration: Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it can increase urination and, consequently, dehydration. Dehydration is the vital key to exacerbating existing canker sores and hindering the healing process.
Alcohol and canker sores, should we completely avoid alcohol when we have canker sores?
We understand that entirely avoiding using alcohol is almost impossible for some individuals, so it’s crucial to be mindful.
- Moderate consumption: If you want to drink, stick to moderation (one or two drinks only) and focus more on drinking water throughout the day to stay adequately hydrated.
- Listen to your body: If you experienced increased discomfort or delayed healing after consuming alcohol, it’s best to avoid it while your canker sores are present.
Our last piece of advice is to consult your dental professional for personalized treatment and manage your situation effectively.
Bottom line
If you need orthodontic treatment for yourself or a loved one, contact us at York Orthodontics. We offer tailored treatment based on your specific needs, and more importantly, flexible payment plans.