Enjoying a night out on the town with your Invisalign aligners can seem like an impossible task, given the need to wear them for 22 hours a day. However, with a few adjustments, there’s no need for Invisalign to affect your social life.
In this blog, we’re here to guide you on how to have a fun night out with Invisalign. We’ll offer insights on preparation and highlight what to avoid, ensuring your treatment plan stays on track without compromising your busy lifestyle.
Can I Take My Invisalign Out For a Night Out?
It’s not recommended to skip wearing your aligners for any longer than two hours a day.
Not wearing your Invisalign for any prolonged period could slow down your progress, affecting the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
If you are attending a special event or occasion that requires you to take a temporary break, discuss it with your dentist beforehand. They will be able to provide expert advice and guidance on how to manage the situation without compromising your treatment plan.
Wearing Invisalign on a Night Out | Our Top Tips
Remove Your Aligners When Eating
Whether you’re enjoying a sit down meal or are snacking throughout the night, removing your aligners when you eat is a must. Failing to do so may damage the aligners and cause food particles to get trapped, creating an environment for bacteria to grow.
Invisalign aligners are designed to be nearly invisible. Eating while wearing them may also cause stains and discolouration over time, affecting their discreet appearance.
Take Your Aligner Case
Whether you think you’re likely to eat or not, taking your aligner case with you gives you a clean, safe place to store them should you work up an appetite on the dance floor.
Invisalign aligners are clear and can be easily overlooked, especially when placed in a napkin. Carrying your case with you reduces the risk of them being lost or accidentally damaged.
Take a Mini Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Floss
After you eat or drink something sugary, it’s important to clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
A mini toothbrush and toothpaste can easily fit in a small bag or coat pocket, so you can keep your mouth clean without needing to take your entire bathroom with you!
Avoid Sugary and Carbonated Drinks
While sugary drinks contribute to tooth decay, carbonated drinks often contain acids that can lead to enamel erosion and staining of both your teeth and the aligners.
To guarantee the success of your Invisalign treatment, it’s best to remove your aligners before consuming anything other than water. If you do choose to indulge in sugary or acidic beverages, make sure to brush your teeth before putting your Invisalign aligners back in to minimise the impact on your dental health and treatment process.
Drink Through a Straw
If you can’t avoid drinking sugary or carbonated drinks with your aligners in, make sure to use a straw. This can minimise contact with the aligners, reducing the risk of potential enamel damage, cavities, bacterial growth and the likelihood of discolouration.
What Should I Do When I Get Home From a Night Out?
As tempting as it can be to head straight to bed, it’s important not to abandon your oral hygiene regime when you get home from a night out.
Take out your Invisalign aligners and rinse them under lukewarm water. This will help to remove any residue that may have accumulated during the night. Brush your teeth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in, paying special attention to the gumline.
If your dentist has provided any additional instructions or recommendations, make sure to follow their guidance in full.
What Do I Do If I Lose My Aligners On a Night Out?
We understand that, no matter how hard you might try to have the perfect night out with your Invisalign, accidents do happen.
If you lose your aligners, don’t panic. When you get home, pop in your previous pair and contact your dentist the next day. Don’t attempt to wear your next pair as your teeth won’t be ready for them yet.
In the future, try to be mindful of where you place your aligners during mealtimes and make a habit of carrying your case with you.
How to Have a Night Out With Invisalign
Having Invisalign doesn’t mean your social life has to come to a halt. By taking the right precautions and planning ahead, you can still enjoy a night out with your nearest and dearest without compromising your treatment plan.
At Lux Dental, we’re proud to be full Invisalign providers, accredited to provide treatment for the majority of cases, including those which are slightly more complex. If you’d like to find out more about Invisalign treatment, please get in touch. Give us a call on 01509 621212 and speak to one of our knowledgeable team members today.