What Can You Easily Eat and Drink With Clear Aligner?

Clear aligners are one of the most popular ways to straighten your teeth. However, with every unique advancement, comes a maintenance responsibility, and clear aligner is no different. To keep up with its immaculate function and good looks, you need to be mindful on your eating habits. There are a few dos and don'ts when it comes to food consumption and, more importantly, the beverages you can drink with clear aligner since they can stain them.

What Are You Allowed To Drink With Clear Aligner?

Keeping up with adequate hydration is non-negotiable, and when it comes to clear aligner, there is nothing better than drinking water. But it waves major red flags when it comes to sugary or acidic options like soda, juices, and energy drinks high on caffeine. Such beverages not only risk discoloration but also pose the threat of warping your aligners, which can sabotage your results. Moreover, you may also have to limit the intake of your seemingly harmless indulgences like coffee, tea, and wine since they can stain your aligners. Other than that, practice patience when you are offered to drink a hot beverage while clear aligner is on. Give it a chance to cool down before sipping to avoid any unwanted alterations to your aligners due to temperature changes.

Why Should You Avoid Excessive Intake of Sugary Drinks With Clear Aligner?

Here are some adverse reactions a drink can pose on clear aligner:

• Increased Risk of Tooth Decay: Other than water, most beverages contain sugars or acids that can easily find their way under your clear aligner trays. They take it as their breeding ground for decay. Since saliva cannot be washed away, the entire thing turns into a deep cavity.
• Bad Breath: Clear aligner trays act just like regular plastic and can retain odors from sugary or acidic beverages, making way for bad breath even after thorough oral hygiene.
• Stains: Clear aligner loses its advantage of discreet appearance due to certain beverages containing dyes. Even natural colorings in drinks like cranberry juice can leave stains on clear aligners.
• Warping: Customization only works well if the product is made with precision, and the same goes for clear aligner trays. Drinking hot beverages with the trays on can soften the plastic, causing warping and disrupting accurate tooth movement.

Some Tips and Tricks That Can Help

Although there is no foolproof way to drink with clear aligner, you can try limiting yourself to water while the trays are in place. You have to always leave some room for negative effects. However, you can take these steps to minimize the impact on your teeth.

• Stay Hydrated with Water: The best beverage to keep up with your hydration needs is water without risking damage to your aligners. They are safe and free from chemicals and contents that are damage producing.
• Remove and Rinse: If completely cutting off sugary or acidic drinks is not an option for you, remove your clear aligner trays before sipping. Once you finish, rinse your mouth and aligners thoroughly with fresh water afterward.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to prevent odors or stains on your clear aligner trays.
• Time Your Treats: If you must indulge in hot treats, wait for them to cool down before putting your clear aligner back in. Or, you can take them off temporarily and then wear them back on after you are done.
• Regular Check-ins: Do not skip scheduled appointments so that your treatment plan is on track at all times.

Closing Note

While there are no apparent restrictions on what to drink while wearing clear aligner, drinking clear water is the best beverage that has least effect on it. However, you can indulge in other beverages by following preventive measures like using a straw or taking the trays out for the time being. If you are eager to learn more, consult with our dental care experts, Dr. Saam Zarrabi, D.D.S., and Dr. Yahya Mansour, D.D.S., M.S., F.A.G.D, F.I.C.O.I. along with their team at

Rodeo Dental and Orthodontics.

We offer our services in multiple locations, so you can schedule an appointment with us at your convenience by dialing