If you are getting Invisalign, what you drink may be just as important as how long you wear your Invisalign every day. While Invisalign is meant to be easy to use and undetectable, some beverages can damage your teeth, stain your aligners, or get in the way of your treatment if you’re not careful.
At Southside Dental Care in Glasgow, patients are advised on which drinks to avoid while wearing Invisalign braces and how small daily habits can make a big difference in results.
Why Drinks Matter With Invisalign
Invisalign braces sit closely against your teeth for around 21 hours a day. When you drink anything other than plain water with your aligners in, liquid can become trapped between the aligners and teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. This can increase the risk of staining, tooth decay, and enamel damage, especially when consuming certain beverages.
Because aligners are clear, they can also discolour easily, making them more noticeable and less hygienic.
Drinks You Should Avoid While Wearing Aligners
Hot Drinks
Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate should always be avoided while wearing Invisalign braces. Heat can cause aligners to warp, which may affect how well they fit and move your teeth. Hot drinks are also known for staining, which can quickly make aligners look yellow or cloudy.
If you want a hot drink, remove your aligners first, enjoy the drink, then brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Sugary Drinks
Both sugary and diet fizzy drinks can be harmful. Their acidity can weaken tooth enamel, especially when trapped under aligners. Even sugar-free versions can cause damage because of their acid content.
Regularly drinking fizzy drinks with aligners in can increase the risk of decay and sensitivity.
Fruit Juices and Smoothies
Although fruit juices and smoothies appear nutritious, they contain sugars and acids that can sit on your teeth under aligners, leading to enamel erosion and cavities.
If you drink them, take your aligners out and rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
Wine and Alcoholic Drinks
Many people stain their teeth and clear aligners with red wine over time. Even when mixed with sugary or acidic drinks, white wine and spirits can still hurt your teeth.
Alcohol can also dry the mouth, reducing saliva flow, which plays a key role in protecting teeth and maintaining oral health.
What Can You Drink Safely With Invisalign In?
While you have Invisalign braces on, the only drink that is safe to have is plain water. Water keeps your mouth hydrated, helps wash away bacteria, and does not stain or damage the aligners.
Sparkling water without added flavours or sugars is usually acceptable in moderation, but still best enjoyed with aligners removed.
Good Habits to Protect Your Teeth and Aligners
- Remove aligners before drinking anything other than water
- Brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in
- Rinse aligners with lukewarm water, never hot
- Clean aligners daily as advised by your dentist
These daily habits assist to maintain your teeth and aligners in good condition during treatment.
Invisalign Treatment in Glasgow
Invisalign offers a flexible way to straighten teeth without metal braces. During treatment, patients at Southside Dental Care receive comprehensive instructions on how to maintain the condition of their teeth and take care of their aligners.
To learn more, visit our Invisalign Treatment page.
Speak to Southside Dental Care
If you have questions about Invisalign care or want to book a consultation, the team at Southside Dental Care is happy to help. For advice tailored to you or to explore treatment options, call 07743 020777.
If you have Invisalign braces, you should avoid drinking certain drinks. This is good for your teeth, will keep your braces clean, and will get the process done faster.
