Clear aligners like Invisalign have revolutionized the world of orthodontics, offering a discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth without the brackets and wires of traditional braces. One of the biggest draws of clear aligners is the flexibility they offer—especially when it comes to eating. But does that mean you can eat and drink whatever you want?
Not exactly. While clear aligners are removable, they still come with a set of important do’s and don’ts to ensure your treatment stays on track. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eating and drinking with clear aligners, what to avoid, and tips for maintaining excellent oral health throughout your journey.
Understanding How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligners are custom-made, transparent trays designed to apply gradual pressure to your teeth, guiding them into their ideal position over time. Each aligner is typically worn for 1–2 weeks before being swapped out for the next in the series. To be effective, clear aligners must be worn for at least 20–22 hours per day.
The aligners fit snugly over your teeth and are designed to be removed only for eating, drinking anything besides water, and oral hygiene.
To learn more about how these systems function, visit our page on how Invisalign works.
Can You Eat with Clear Aligners In?
The short answer is no. You should not eat any food while wearing your clear aligners. Here’s why:
- Aligners Aren’t Built for Chewing: Clear aligners are made of thermoplastic material that is not designed to withstand the force of chewing. Eating with aligners in can cause cracks or warping.
- Staining & Discoloration: Foods and beverages can stain your aligners, making them look cloudy and visible—defeating the purpose of having a discreet orthodontic appliance.
- Trapped Food Particles: Eating with aligners in can trap food and bacteria between the trays and your teeth, significantly increasing your risk of cavities and bad breath.
For optimal results, always remove your aligners before eating anything, even snacks.
What About Drinking?
You can safely drink water with your aligners in. However, drinking anything else while wearing them poses risks:
Drinks to Avoid with Aligners In:
- Coffee and Tea: These can stain your aligners and your teeth.
- Soda and Sports Drinks: Sugary and acidic drinks can lead to enamel erosion and cavities.
- Juice and Wine: Both are acidic and sugary—bad news for both your teeth and aligners.
- Hot Beverages: Heat can warp the shape of the aligner, compromising its fit and effectiveness.
To enjoy these drinks, simply remove your aligners and brush your teeth before reinserting them.
How Often Can You Remove Aligners?
Clear aligners should be worn for 20–22 hours a day to ensure timely treatment. That gives you about 2–4 hours daily for meals, snacks, and oral hygiene.
If you're removing your aligners too frequently or for long periods, your treatment may be delayed. Sticking to a disciplined eating schedule—such as three meals and one snack per day—can help you stay within the recommended wear time.
What to Eat When Wearing Clear Aligners
Although you can’t eat with aligners in your mouth, the fact that they’re removable gives you freedom during mealtime. Unlike traditional braces, there are no major food restrictions—as long as you remove the trays first.
Here’s how to eat wisely during your aligner treatment:
Braces-Friendly Foods That Work with Aligners:
- Soft fruits (bananas, berries, melons)
- Cooked vegetables
- Lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu)
- Rice, pasta, and soft grains
- Yogurt, cheese, and smoothies
Be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in. Any food debris left behind can become trapped and cause plaque buildup.
Foods to Limit Even When Aligners Are Removed
While you technically can eat anything with aligners—as long as they’re out—it’s still best to avoid certain food types that might affect your overall dental health or complicate cleaning:
- Sticky candies like caramel or gummies can stick to your teeth.
- Crunchy snacks like popcorn and hard chips can lodge between teeth.
- Sugary treats increase the risk of cavities, especially if you don’t clean your mouth thoroughly before reinserting your aligners.
- Foods that stain (like curry or berries) may still stain your teeth, making them appear discolored when wearing aligners.
Tips for Eating and Drinking with Clear Aligners
1. Always Carry a Case
Keep a storage case on hand so you’re never tempted to wrap your aligners in napkins or leave them on the table.
2. Brush or Rinse Before Reinserting
After eating or drinking, brush your teeth if possible. If you can’t, at least rinse with water or mouthwash.
3. Stick to Water
Drinking water throughout the day keeps you hydrated and your aligners clean.
4. Clean Aligners Regularly
Use a soft toothbrush or clear aligner cleaning solution to keep your trays crystal-clear and free from bacteria.
Learn more about the clear aligner options we offer on our Invisalign treatment page.
The Benefits of Clear Aligners
One of the best things about clear aligners is that they allow you to enjoy your favorite foods without the restrictions of traditional metal braces. You just have to be consistent about removing them at the right times and maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
If you're looking for more options or want to learn about other types of orthodontic services we offer, check out our full list of orthodontic treatments.
Why East Tennessee Orthodontics?
At East Tennessee Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on providing personalized and advanced care for every age group. Whether you're considering traditional dental braces or you're ready to start with clear aligners, we guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Start Your Clear Aligner Journey?
If you're ready to experience the comfort and flexibility of clear aligners, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with our experienced team to learn more about Invisalign and find out if it’s the right fit for you.
FAQs About Eating and Drinking with Clear Aligners
Can I drink coffee with clear aligners in?
No, coffee can stain both your aligners and teeth. Always remove your aligners before drinking coffee.
Is it okay to chew gum with aligners?
Chewing gum can stick to the aligners and damage them. Always remove aligners before chewing anything.
How soon after eating can I put my aligners back in?
You should brush your teeth first. If brushing isn't possible, rinse your mouth with water before reinserting the aligners.
Will drinking soda damage my aligners?
Yes. Soda is acidic and sugary, which can damage both your teeth and the plastic trays. Avoid drinking soda with aligners in.
Can I eat snacks between meals?
Yes, but limit the frequency to stay within the recommended 20–22 hours of aligner wear per day.
What happens if I forget to take out my aligners before eating?
Remove them as soon as possible, rinse them with water, and inspect for damage or discoloration.
Are there aligners you can eat with?
Currently, no clear aligners are designed for eating. All should be removed before meals.
What should I do if my aligners start to smell?
Clean them using a toothbrush and mild soap or a clear aligner cleaning solution. Avoid using hot water.
Can food stain my teeth during treatment?
Yes, especially if you don’t brush after eating. Stains may become noticeable when wearing clear aligners.
What drinks are safe with aligners?
Plain water is the only drink safe to consume while wearing clear aligners.