Can I take my Invisalign aligners out when I go out to dinner?

You can remove your Invisalign aligners when necessary for eating, brushing your teeth, or going to the dentist. There is no requirement for any modifications to be made. You are able to continue with your regular activities while having your teeth straightened.

While you are out enjoying yourself, here are some things you should keep in mind to keep your Invisalign in good condition:

Take Them Off: Keep in mind that you are required to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day; therefore, you should only remove them to eat, brush your teeth, or go to the bathroom. If you have an important gathering or event coming up, you are free to remove your aligners, put them away in the right way, and then put them back in as soon as it is practical to do so.

Carry the Invisalign Hard Case with You Always store your Invisalign trays in their protective hard case whenever they are not in your mouth. This will prevent you from accidentally throwing them away or otherwise damaging them. If your aligners are damaged in any way, your treatment may be delayed, which will require additional time and money on your part.

When you have your Invisalign trays in, you can drink water, but anything else will be too abrasive for the plastic. It is recommended that you limit the amount of drinks you consume. In addition to this, it may become lodged between the enamel of your teeth and the trays, which will increase the likelihood of tooth decay. Before you indulge in that cocktail, remove your braces and ask the bartender to make it on the lighter side. 

When you reinstall your aligners, the pigments in red wine and dark beer will adhere to your teeth and may be transferred to the aligners themselves when you do so. You can prevent this from happening by drinking white wine or any other white or clear drinks.

Always have a glass of water on hand. If you drink water throughout the night, you can continue to enjoy your evening without having to remove your aligners. You can also use the water to clean your mouth if you don’t have time to brush your teeth before re-inserting your aligners.

If you want additional information and direction, you can always make an appointment with your orthodontist and ask them for help, but in the meanwhile, you should follow these guidelines.