Editorial update:
Eating and Drinking with Clear Aligners
Food and drinks with aligners, removing and storing trays, cleaning teeth and the effects of hot drinks.
In this article 08
- 01What Can You Drink While Wearing Clear Aligners?
- 02Can You Eat While Wearing Clear Aligners?
- 03What Should Be Done After Eating?
- 04Why Does Daily Wear Time Matter?
- 05What Else Should Be Watched For While Using Clear Aligners?
- 06Frequently Asked Questions
- 07Related treatment and assessment
- 08Source and further reading
Follow your prescribed instructions for meals and drinks. Most plans require removing aligners for eating, and hot drinks can affect the material. Store trays in a clean case and clean both teeth and trays before reinserting them.
What Can You Drink While Wearing Clear Aligners?
The basic rule while wearing clear aligners is quite simple: only plain water should be consumed while the aligner is in. Other beverages can cause discolouration, bacterial buildup, and oral health problems on the aligner.
Coffee, tea, fruit juice, carbonated drinks, and coloured beverages in particular can damage the clear structure of the aligner. Sugary drinks can also increase the risk of decay when trapped between the aligner and the tooth.
Hot beverages can affect the aligner material and cause it to warp. For this reason, the aligner should always be removed before drinking anything hot.
Can You Eat While Wearing Clear Aligners?
No. Clear aligners must always be removed while eating. Solid foods can put pressure on the aligner and cause it to deform. Food particles getting trapped under the aligner can also create hygiene problems.
Clear aligner treatment doesn’t come with the same hard-food restrictions as traditional braces, because the aligner is removed while eating, so most foods can be eaten comfortably. However, the aligner shouldn’t be put back in until the mouth has been cleaned after eating.
What Should Be Done After Eating?
Cleaning your teeth after eating or drinking is very important. When food particles remain in the mouth and get trapped under the aligner, bacterial growth can accelerate, which increases the risk of decay.
The ideal order of use should be as follows:
- Remove the aligner
- Eat your meal or drink your beverage
- Brush your teeth
- Use dental floss if possible
- Then put the aligner back in
If brushing isn’t possible, it’s recommended to at least rinse the mouth thoroughly with water.
Why Does Daily Wear Time Matter?
Follow the orthodontist’s wear and change schedule, arranging meal breaks around it. If trays have been out for a prolonged period or no longer seat correctly, seek advice rather than advancing to the next set.
What Else Should Be Watched For While Using Clear Aligners?
Aligners should always be stored in their special case when not in use. Aligners wrapped in a napkin can easily get lost or damaged.
Aligners also need to be cleaned regularly. Aligners that aren’t cleaned can develop a bad smell, discolouration, and bacterial buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink coffee while wearing clear aligners?
Drinking coffee while wearing the aligner isn’t recommended. Coffee can discolour the aligner.
Can you chew gum while wearing clear aligners?
No. Gum can stick to the aligner and cause it to deform.
Are cold drinks harmful?
Any beverage other than plain water — even if cold — can cause discolouration and bacterial buildup on the aligner.
Can you have small snacks without removing the aligner?
No. Even small snacks can cause food buildup under the aligner.
Related treatment and assessment
This information does not replace an individual assessment. At your appointment, explain when symptoms began and share details of medicines and previous treatment.