Aligners such as Invisalign need to be worn for a significant portion of the day, which often begs the question of ‘can I drink with my aligner in?’ and ‘what drinks can I drink with it in?’
Those wearing an aligner can absolutely drink; however, they should only be drinking water with the clear aligner in. It’s actually ideal as it keeps the mouth clean and the body hydrated, which is better for the teeth and gums.
Drinking sugary or acidic juices, fizzy pops, and even alcoholic drinks is not advised when wearing a clear aligner. Wearers are advised to remove the aligner whilst drinking these types of products.
Before re-fitting the aligner back onto the teeth, you need to brush the teeth to ensure there is no bacteria being trapped between the appliance and teeth.
What about drinking hot drinks with an aligner in?
Drinking a hot drink like a hot chocolate, tea, or coffee is a bad idea. Hot beverages can cause the aligner material to warp, rendering it ineffective. These drinks are also highly pigmented and can result in staining for both the teeth and the aligners.
Can I eat with aligners in?
No food should be eaten whilst wearing an aligner, this is because they aren’t designed to withstand the wear and tear of chewing and grinding down food. This can cause bacteria to become trapped on the warped material, making it unsanitary and thus making the mouth more prone to issues like plaque and decay.
Aligners should always be removed before eating and stored in a safe, dry, hygienic container. Once you have finished eating, brush your teeth before re-applying the aligner to ensure the teeth are clean and no bacteria remains.