I love nothing more than heading down to the Central Business District for a delicious meal or a cold beverage; there’s so much to see and do in Brisbane City, and with so many restaurants, bars and coffee shops to choose from, I never have a difficult time finding something that suits my taste.
When I talk to my Invisalign® patients about caring for their teeth and gums, they’re often concerned about the times they aren’t home to practise their normal brushing and flossing routine. I get it; life gets busy, and sometimes work meetings or social gatherings make it feel impossible to prioritise dental hygiene.
But the truth is that you can maintain healthy teeth and gums while dining in Brisbane City, even if you’re wearing clear aligners.
Let’s explore some tips and tricks that might help.
The Golden Rule: Why Paper Napkins Are Your Aligner’s Worst Enemy
Invisalign clear aligners are a discreet, comfortable way to straighten your teeth, and because you can easily remove them, there are no food and drink restrictions. The problem is that when you’re in Brisbane City for dinner or cocktails, there’s a greater chance of losing or damaging your aligners.
I recommend always placing your aligners in their case when you take them out. You should never wrap them in a napkin, as they can easily get tossed, and this can delay your overall treatment time and lead to additional costs.
Your Brisbane CBD 'Aligner Kit': What to Pack Before You Head Out
One of the best ways to avoid losing your aligners and keep your oral health on track when you’re out on the town is to plan ahead and carry some essential hygiene items in your bag or pocket.
Here’s a checklist I give to my patients so they can be ready when they’re dining out:
- Storage case — Placing your aligners in their case will protect them from damage and keep you from throwing them away.
- Travel toothbrush — Carrying a travel toothbrush with you makes it possible to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth after drinks or a meal.
- Dental floss — If you have dental floss or floss picks with you, you’ll be more likely to clean between your teeth before placing your aligners back in your mouth.
- Mouthwash — A travel-sized bottle of mouthwash can rinse away harmful bacteria and freshen your breath.
Coffee and Cold Drinks: The Hidden Stain Risks for CBD Commuters
If you work in the Central Business District, you’ve probably been to Coffee Anthology or The Hideout Specialty Coffee on Edward for a hot coffee or a nice cold drink, but when you consume these beverages day after day, they can wreak havoc on your smile.
I caution my patients about the hidden stain risks associated with coffee and other beverages. The tannins in coffee can stick to your tooth enamel and cause discolouration over time. And dark sodas, teas and smoothies can also stain your teeth.
Not only that, but certain acidic drinks can wear down your tooth enamel, which can lead to sensitivity and other issues.
The Discreet Exit: CBD Hygiene Etiquette
To discreetly care for your aligners and your smile while you’re out for 50-cent happy hour wings from 5-7 Monday through Friday at Winghaus Edward Street, here are some things I recommend:
- Remove your aligners in the restroom before your meal. Never wrap them in a napkin; keep them in their case.
- Sip on water during the meal; this can keep your mouth clean and help you avoid stains.
- Excuse yourself from the table and brush your teeth before replacing your aligners. If you don’t have time to brush, rinse your mouth with water before putting your aligners back in your mouth.
What to Do If You Can't Brush Immediately After Eating
I understand that it may not be possible to brush your teeth after you enjoy a cocktail or meal at Opa Bar & Mezze or Stanton Brasserie Bar & Pizzeria. So, I recommend having a realistic “Plan B” for those occasions.
If you’re at a rooftop bar or networking event and just can’t get away, or if you forgot to pack your toothbrush, try swishing water around your mouth and spitting it in the sink to rinse away food particles.
You could also chew a piece of sugarless gum, which will increase your saliva flow and fight the acids in your mouth.
Clear Aligners in Brisbane City, QLD
If you’re looking for a team of dentists who genuinely care about your oral health, I hope you’ll consider making Edward St Dental your new dental home. Our cosmetic dentists can customise a treatment plan that includes Invisalign clear aligners to give you straighter teeth and a healthier smile.
I love meeting new patients, so if you’ve been wondering about clear aligner therapy, or you’d like to arrange visits for you and your loved ones, feel free to call me on (07) 3221 5855. I’ll do whatever I can to enhance your smile’s natural appearance and keep your teeth and gums healthy and happy.