Whether you’re beginning your journey to a straighter smile with Invisalign or are already sporting these invisible aligners, you may have wrestled with one common question – can you drink tea with Invisalign?
Hi, my name is Sarah and I completed my Invisalign journey in 75 weeks!
This blog documents my own personal experience with wearing Invisalign aligners - all the ups and the downs.
This blog does not constitute medical advice, so speak to a dental professional about any specific concerns.
Many might envision a warm cup of tea as this radical force that could possibly derail their dental progress.
Fear not, put the kettle on and let’s dive into this intriguing question, deciphering myths, and underline the best practices while enjoying your favourite brew with Invisalign.
What happens if you drink tea while wearing Invisalign?
As someone who has personally undergone the transformative journey with Invisalign, I can assure you that the process requires a few lifestyle changes, and habits around eating and drinking are a few of them.
Drinking tea while wearing Invisalign isn’t recommended mainly for two reasons. Firstly, the temperature of the tea could potentially warp or damage the aligners because they are made from thermoplastic material.
Any hot beverage, including tea, can distort the shape of the aligners, thereby undermining their effectiveness in shifting your teeth into the correct position.
Secondly, the color of the tea might also stain the aligners and make them more noticeable. Invisalign is popular because of its discreetness, its ability to straighten teeth without being as visible as traditional braces.
However, frequent staining with colored drinks such as tea and coffee can make the aligners yellow and highly visible, defeating their purpose.
For these reasons, it is recommended to remove your aligners while consuming anything other than plain water, and clean your mouth thoroughly before putting them back on.
As an Invisalign wearer, it’s not just important to ensure proper dental health, but also maintain the integrity and cleanliness of the aligners themselves.
Should you remove your Invisalign aligners before drinking tea?
Absolutely, you should definitely remove your Invisalign aligners before drinking tea or any other colored beverages. As an Invisalign wearer myself, I’ve found this to be an important part of maintaining the clear appearance of my aligners.
Tea, as well as coffee, and other colored drinks, have the potential to stain the plastic, which can lead to discoloration and even a potential build-up of harmful bacteria.
Hot beverages including tea can potentially warp or distort the plastic of the Invisalign aligners which can render them ineffective in their goal to shift your teeth incrementally over time.
From personal experience, I can assure you it’s far more beneficial to your treatment and overall oral hygiene to take those extra few seconds to remove your aligners before enjoying your tea.
After finishing, ensure you brush your teeth before placing the aligners back in to prevent any residue from affecting your aligners and your dental health.
What should you do if you accidently drank some tea with your aligners in? 😬
While Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn around the clock, they can become discolored or stained if you drink certain beverages with them in.
From my own personal experience, I have occasionally made the mistake of drinking tea while wearing my aligners.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t panic. The first thing you should do is to take your aligners out, rinse them under lukewarm water, and then brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap. Avoid using toothpaste as it can be abrasive and scratch the plastic, making it look cloudy and more visible in your mouth.
For added cleaning, I would recommend soaking your aligners in a solution specifically designed for clear aligners or retainers.
Over-the-counter products can usually be found at your local pharmacy, but always remember to follow the cleaning instructions before use. It’s also important to take care of your teeth.
Brush and floss your teeth well before wearing your aligners again to prevent any stain or residue trapped between your aligners and teeth.
Remember, though it’s best to avoid drinking anything other than water with your aligners in, minor mistakes like these can be corrected by a good cleaning routine.
It’s always essential to remember the guidelines given by your orthodontist, and try to follow the guidance to maintain the best results and care for your Invisalign treatment.
Can you clean tea stains from Invisalign?
From personal experience, yes, it’s absolutely possible to clean tea stains from your Invisalign aligners. It’s common for drinks like tea and coffee to leave behind a bit of discoloration on your aligners.
To tackle the stains, I usually soak my aligners in denture cleaning solution.
Every now and then, I’ll soak them in a mixture of half water and half vinegar for about 20-30 minutes, which can be highly effective too.
After any soaking method, I’ll always give my aligners a good rinse under lukewarm water (never hot, as excessive heat can warp the aligners) and a gentle brush with a soft toothbrush.
This routine effectively keeps my aligners clear and I’m pleased with the results. However, maintaining good habits can help prevent the stains from the get-go.
Drinking hot beverages like tea with your aligners removed and brushing your teeth before putting them back in again can save you the hassle of dealing with stubborn tea stains.
See also: 18 Things They DON’T Tell You About Invisalign
Conclusion: Can you drink tea with Invisalign?
In conclusion, while it is possible to enjoy a cup of tea with Invisalign, extra caution is necessary to maintain the integrity and aesthetic of your aligners.
The safest method would be to remove your aligners when you drink tea to prevent staining or warping due to extreme temperatures.
I would not personally drink tea with Invisalign in, I would always remove the aligners before enjoying a hot cup!
Following your tea break, ensure proper mouth hygiene by brushing and rinsing before reinserting aligners, in order to reduce the chances of tea stains on your teeth as well.
Balancing your beverage desires with the Invisalign process will ensure your treatment is effective without hindering your everyday ritual.
