Eating and Drinking with Aligners: What You Need to Know

If you’re on a journey to straighter teeth with clear aligners (like Toothfairy or other expensive brands), you probably love how discreet and convenient they are. But when it comes to eating and drinking, things get a little trickier. Can you drink coffee with aligners in? What happens if you eat with them? And how do you keep them clean while enjoying your favourite foods?

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about wearing aligners while eating and drinking, plus some handy tips to keep your treatment on track without any nasty surprises!

Can You Eat with Aligners In?

Short answer: No.

Clear aligners aren’t designed to handle the pressure of chewing. Eating with them can:

❌ Damage or crack them – Aligners are made from plastic, not teeth! Biting into food can cause them to break or warp.
❌ Trap food and bacteria – Tiny food particles can get stuck inside your aligners, leading to bad breath, plaque build-up, and potential cavities.
❌ Stain the aligners – If food or sauces get inside, they can leave permanent stains—not a great look for something meant to be invisible!

What to do instead: Always remove your aligners before eating, whether it’s a full meal or a quick snack.

Can You Drink with Aligners In?

It depends on what you’re drinking!

🚰 Water – Yes! It’s the only drink that won’t harm your aligners. In fact, drinking water helps keep your mouth clean and prevents dry mouth.

☕ Tea & Coffee – No! Hot drinks can warp the plastic, and coffee can stain your aligners. If you can’t start your day without caffeine, remove your aligners first, and rinse your mouth before putting them back in.

🥤 Sugary & Fizzy Drinks – Big no! Drinks like cola, energy drinks, and fruit juices are full of sugar and acid. If they get trapped inside your aligners, they bathe your teeth in sugar, increasing your risk of cavities.

🍷 Wine, Beer & Alcohol – Not recommended. Red wine stains aligners, and both alcoholic and fizzy drinks are acidic, which weakens your enamel.

What to do instead: If you want to enjoy a drink, take your aligners out, sip your drink, and rinse your mouth with water before putting them back in.

How to Keep Your Aligners Clean While Enjoying Food & Drinks

Here’s how to protect your aligners (and your teeth!) while still enjoying your favourite foods:

✔ Stick to a routine – Remove your aligners before meals and place them in their case (not a napkin—you don’t want to accidentally throw them away!).
✔ Brush or rinse after eating – If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water before putting your aligners back in.
✔ Clean your aligners daily – Use gentle soap and water or a special aligner cleaner—not toothpaste, as it can scratch them.
✔ Avoid snacks – The more you remove your aligners, the less time they’re doing their job! Try to eat in set mealtimes rather than snacking all day.

What Happens If You Forget and Eat with Aligners In?

We all have those moments where we take a bite out of something and think, “Oh no, I forgot to take my aligners out!” 😬 If that happens:

1️⃣ Check for damage – Remove them and inspect for cracks or warping. If they’re damaged, contact your dentist or aligner provider.
2️⃣ Clean them immediately – Rinse with water and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush.
3️⃣ Avoid repeating it – Eating with aligners can slow down your treatment if they get misshapen.

Conclusion: Enjoy Food Without Harming Your Aligners

Wearing aligners doesn’t mean you have to give up your favourite food and drinks—but it does mean being mindful about how and when you eat. By following these simple habits, you’ll protect your aligners, avoid stains and damage, and keep your teeth healthy throughout your treatment.

If you have any concerns about your aligners, the Toothfairy app lets you connect with UK-licensed dentists for expert advice—all from your phone. No waiting, no hassle!

So, go ahead and enjoy that meal—just remember to pop your aligners out first! 😁