Drinking Alcohol With Braces & Aligners: Is it Safe?

How do Braces Work?

Traditional metal braces are a tried-and-true orthodontic solution for a wide range of problems, such as crowding, gaps, and bite misalignment. Usually made of metal brackets, these braces are bonded to the teeth and joined by a wire. The orthodontist periodically tightens this wire to progressively bring the teeth into the correct positions. Based on how complicated the case is, the whole process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years.

How Clear Aligners Work?

Aligners, such as the ones from ALIGNERCO, provide an alternative to conventional braces that are less noticeable to the naked eye. Made specifically to fit tightly over your teeth, these transparent, detachable trays are switched out every one to two weeks to gradually move the teeth. Adults and teens especially like aligners as they are almost undetectable and can be easily removed for cleaning, drinking, and eating. To work properly, however, they must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, therefore requiring a great degree of dedication.

The Nature of Alcohol

It's important to know how drinking alcohol affects oral health in general before getting into the details of drinking while wearing braces or aligners. Alcohol can be very acidic and contains a lot of sugar, which can wear away tooth enamel and cause cavities. Alcohol may also promote dehydration, which results in dry mouth—a disorder in which salivary production drops. Too little saliva can make cavities and other oral health problems more likely because it can't neutralize the acids in your mouth and wash away food particles.

Staining of Brackets and Bands

Staining is a major worry when consuming alcohol with braces. Traditional braces brackets and bands may be stained by pigments in red wine, dark liquors, and certain beers. Although metal or ceramic brackets are stain-resistant, their elastic bands may fade. People who are already self-conscious about having braces may find this annoying because it can draw unwanted attention to their mouth.

Increased Risk of Tooth Decay

As previously stated, alcohol is acidic and typically heavy in sugar. Alcoholic acids and sugars mix with oral bacteria to generate additional acid, which can cause some serious damage to the tooth enamel. Because brackets and wires collect food and plaque, braces make it harder to clean teeth. Poor oral hygiene may impede the efficacy of orthodontic treatment by causing cavities caused by food particles and plaque leftover from previous meals.

Irritation and Discomfort

For braces wearers, acidic or carbonated alcohol might cause irritation and pain. Because of the braces, the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth may be already sensitive, and the acidity of alcohol might make them even worse. Alcohol may also hurt oral wounds and abrasions caused by braces' metal parts.

Staining of Aligners

Just like braces, alcohol can lead to staining of clear aligners, defeating its purpose. Most people choose clear aligners for their discretion, beverages like red wine, beer, and dark liquors can discolor the aligners, making them more visible and potentially less attractive.

Warping of Aligners

Additionally, drinking alcohol while wearing aligners increases the chance of them warping. Aligners are composed of temperature-sensitive polymers. Hot liquids like mulled wine or hot toddies may distort aligners, impairing their fit and efficacy. Even room-temperature alcohol may have an effect if drunk regularly or if the aligners are not well-cleaned afterwards.

Increased Risk of Bacterial Growth

Drinking anything sweet or acidic while wearing invisible aligners, or drinking and then immediately putting your aligners back in without first cleaning your mouth, might result in cavities or enamel erosion. Because of how tightly the aligners fit, sugar or acid will be trapped between your teeth for a longer duration, increasing the likelihood of further damage. Saliva won't wash it away like it usually does. Drinking wine or soda with Aligners is okay as long as you remove your aligners and rinse your mouth.

For Both Aligners and Braces:

• Steer clear of the urge to consume a drink over many hours or sip slowly. Although it is recommended to take your time when consuming alcoholic beverages, it is okay to have soda or sports drinks in one sitting.
• Make sure you follow a strict oral hygiene regimen. Morning, after meals and snacks, and before bed brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once every day.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

It's important to have a good toothbrush for everyone, but people with braces need it even more. An easy-to-use toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head will help you get around the wires and clamps. Another great choice is an electric toothbrush, which can clean your teeth better. When you use fluoride toothpaste with your toothbrush, it helps improve your enamel and keeps cavities at bay.

Interdental Brushes

You can clean the places between your teeth and braces with these small brushes. They get rid of plaque and food particles well because they can reach places that normal toothbrushes might miss.

Water Flosser and Floss Threaders

When you have braces on, it's harder to floss between your teeth, but you need to do it anyway to get rid of all the plaque and food. It can be easier to do this if you have floss threaders or special dental floss in your braces case. A water flosser is a great way to deal with this problem. It cleans the spaces between teeth and braces with a sharp stream of water.

Mouthwash

Using fluoride mouthwash will not only clean your teeth and kill germs, but it will also make your tooth enamel stronger and stop cavities. It can also clean places that are hard to get to with a toothbrush or floss.

Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax is a soft, moldable substance that you can put on your braces to temporarily ease any pain or itching that comes from the brackets or wires rubbing against your mouth.

Retainer or Aligner Cleaning Solution

Specifically designed orthodontic cleaners or tablets can clean and germ-free clear aligners or retainers. They maintain the freshness of your aligners by getting rid of germs.

Travel-Sized Tools

Keeping a small toothbrush and toothpaste that is easy to carry in your braces brush kit will help you keep up with your oral health routine even when you're not at home.

The Retainer Case

It is very important to have a case for your removable retainers so that they are safe when not in use. These things help keep them clean and safe from damage.

Being Responsible And Aware

Maintaining good mouth health is important if you have braces or aligners, especially if you like drinking alcohol. Even though it's not illegal to drink alcohol while wearing braces or aligners, it's still best to be aware of the risks and take steps to reduce any negative effects.

Steps You Can Take

You can drink alcohol once in a while without hurting your orthodontic treatment as long as you choose the right drinks, brush your teeth regularly, and use a braces cleaning kit.

Adding Tools For Cleaning

As part of your daily habit, using the tools in a braces cleaning kit will not only protect your teeth from the damage that alcohol can do, but it will also help your treatment go more smoothly.

Commitment For A Long Time

Remember that getting a straight, beautiful smile takes time. If you take the right steps to take care of your braces or aligners, you will have a healthy, confident smile for years to come.

Being Well-Informed And Ready

It's important to be aware and ready, whether you're dealing with the challenges of having braces or aligners or just want to keep your teeth clean. You can enjoy your favourite drinks safely and keep working toward a perfect smile as long as you know how drinking affects your treatment and use the right tools to take care of your teeth.