If you're wearing Invisalign aligners, you may be wondering what you can and can't drink while they're in. This page covers which beverages are appropriate to consume with aligners in place, which should be avoided, and how to keep your aligners clean.
Water is the safest option — it's hydrating, calorie-free, and won't stain or damage your aligners. If you want something with flavour, clear herbal teas (cooled) without added sugar are an option, though you should rinse your aligners afterwards.
For all other beverages, the general recommendation is to remove your aligners before drinking, then brush your teeth and rinse the aligners before reinserting them.
Yes, though sparkling water is mildly acidic and may affect your aligners if consumed frequently while wearing them. Occasional sparkling water is unlikely to cause problems, but regular tap or filtered water is the better choice for routine hydration while wearing aligners.
Drinking alcohol with aligners in place is not recommended. Alcoholic beverages often contain sugar and can stain both teeth and aligners. Red wine in particular can cause discolouration. Beer can also leave residue on aligners.
If you choose to drink alcohol, remove your aligners first. After drinking, brush your teeth and rinse your aligners before reinserting them.
Drinking soda with aligners in place is not recommended. Soda contains sugar and acids that can cause staining, bacteria buildup, and potential damage to the aligner plastic.
If you do drink soda, remove your aligners, drink water afterwards, and brush your teeth before reinserting.
Drinking coffee or tea while wearing aligners is not recommended. These beverages can stain the aligners, making them discoloured and visible. They can also contribute to bacteria buildup inside the aligners.
Remove your aligners before drinking coffee or tea, and brush your teeth before reinserting.
Using a straw can reduce contact between beverages and your aligners and teeth. While this can help minimise staining, it does not eliminate the risk entirely. For anything other than water, removing your aligners before drinking is still the recommended approach.
Rinse immediately after drinking: If you've had your aligners in while drinking anything other than water, rinse them with lukewarm water straight away.
Brush your aligners regularly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner daily. Also brush your teeth before reinserting aligners.
Soak in cleaning solution: If you can't brush immediately, soaking aligners in a cleaning solution for at least 15 minutes can help remove bacteria.
Store properly: When not wearing your aligners, store them in their case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping or discolouration.
Avoid staining beverages while wearing aligners: Coffee, tea, soda, red wine, and other pigmented drinks should be consumed with aligners removed.
Attend regular dental appointments: Regular check-ups during Invisalign treatment allow your dentist to ensure your aligners fit correctly and treatment is progressing as planned.
Drinking with Invisalign is manageable with the right approach. Water is the safest option while wearing aligners. For all other beverages, removing your aligners before drinking and cleaning both your teeth and aligners before reinserting is the recommended practice.
For full information about Invisalign treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
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All dental treatment carries risks. The treatments described on this site may not be appropriate for your oral health. A full consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental professional is required before confirming suitability for any procedure. Individual results vary. For information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.