What can I eat or drink while wearing my aligners?
- Carlos Humberto Alayola Cáceres
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
If you're already using clear aligners or thinking about starting your treatment, you've probably wondered: 👉 "Can I drink coffee, soda, or wine with the aligners in?"
It is one of the most common questions among those starting treatment with aligners , and although it may seem like a simple question, the answer has its nuances.
We'll explain it step by step, clearly and without technical terms, so you know exactly what you can and can't take with your Invisalign, Spark In Office, or any other brand of aligners , and why it's so important to pay attention to this detail during your treatment.
💧 What you can drink with your aligners in.
The good news is that there's one completely safe drink: plain water . You can drink as much as you want without having to remove your aligners.
The water contains no sugar, dyes, or acids that could damage the aligners or your teeth. It also helps keep your mouth hydrated, which is very important because wearing aligners can slightly reduce saliva flow.
💡 Pro tip: Drinking water frequently helps keep your aligners clean, prevents bad breath, and maintains a fresh feeling in your mouth.
However, avoid hot water , as the invisible aligners are made of a very precise thermoplastic material. Heat can deform them and affect the fit, hindering the progress of the treatment.
☕ What you shouldn't drink with your aligners in.
Here comes the most important part: it is not recommended to drink any beverages with color, sugar or acid while wearing the aligners.
This includes:
Coffee
Tea
Soft drinks (with or without sugar)
Fruit juices
Red wine or beer
Energy drinks
I'll explain the reasons below 👇
1. The aligners can stain easily
One of the main advantages of clear aligners is that they are transparent and almost imperceptible. But if you drink coffee, tea, or red wine while wearing them, they are very likely to get stained.
The plastic absorbs the pigments and loses its transparency, causing the aligners to appear yellowed or dirty. And once this happens, there's no way to restore their original color .
If you're investing in cosmetic treatment, you certainly don't want your aligners to be noticeable because of a simple coffee stain, right?
2. Hot drinks can warp the aligners
Heat is a direct enemy of the material used in Invisalign aligners or any similar brand. If you drink coffee, tea, or any hot beverage while wearing them, the plastic can soften or warp, causing them to lose their original shape and stop applying the proper pressure to your teeth.
In other words: you could affect tooth movement and delay your treatment.
3. Sugar and acids increase the risk of cavities
When you drink sugary or acidic beverages (such as soda, juice, or wine) with the aligners in place, the liquid gets trapped between the plastic and your teeth.
This creates a perfect environment for bacteria to multiply, as the sugar feeds them and the acids weaken the enamel. Furthermore, because saliva cannot circulate freely, the pH in the mouth becomes more acidic, increasing the risk of cavities and white spots .
Therefore, although taking "just a sip" may seem harmless, it's not worth the risk .
🍷 What if I want to have a drink at a meal or meeting?
The key is to use the great advantage of invisible aligners : they are removable.
If you're going to have coffee, wine, or any other beverage other than water, you just need to follow these steps:
Remove your aligners before drinking.
Store them in their case (never leave them wrapped in a napkin, they get lost easily!).
Enjoy your drink in peace.
When finished, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth before putting them back in.
⏰ Ideally, you should not spend more than 2 hours a day without the aligners in place , as they must be worn for at least 22 hours a day to achieve the planned tooth movements.
🧃 What about sugar-free or "light" drinks?
This is a very common question. Many patients believe that because they don't contain sugar, diet sodas or teas are harmless. But the reality is that most of these drinks are still highly acidic , which can also erode tooth enamel.
Furthermore, the dyes are still present, so they can stain both your teeth and the invisible aligners . Therefore, if it's not water, it's best to remove your aligners before drinking .
🪥 Practical tips for taking care of your aligners
To keep your aligners clean, clear, and effective, follow these aligner care tips:
Always carry your case with you. That way you can take them off when you want to drink something other than water.
Keep a portable toothbrush or mini hygiene kit handy. After eating or drinking something sugary, brush or rinse your mouth before putting your teeth back in.
Avoid leaving them out for too long. Invisalign aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day for optimal results.
If you accidentally touched something while wearing them, clean them immediately. Rinse them with cold water and brush them with a soft brush (without toothpaste, as it can scratch them).
Never clean them with hot water. The heat can warp the material and affect the fit.
🌟 In summary
With over 15 years of experience in orthodontics and digital technology, I can help you achieve a straight smile with a comfortable, aesthetic, and meticulously planned treatment.
Request an evaluation for invisible aligners and find out if you are a candidate for this type of treatment.
Every smile is unique, and yours could be the next to be transformed with custom aligners . 😁
Dr. Carlos Humberto Alayola Cáceres
Dental Surgeon - UADY
Orthodontics Specialist - UNAM
Tel.: (999) 9285939
WhatsApp: (999) 2479443
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