Can You Drink Anything on Clear, Essix, Rivera Retainers?

Question

I know people should not eat meal with them on, but can they eat desserts, or small sweets on them or they have to take them out? Also, is it ok to drink hot coffee, red wine, alcohol, or (straight whisky with no water or soda ) and other beverages or they better to use a straw? Thank you

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

You can eat with aligners. I know, I had a patient, who did, against my advise. The same goes about drinks. All except water. Concern would be sugar content of beverages and food.So if you have to (for social reasons and such), keep them on, but make sure to brush your teeth right away afterwords. In ideal situation you should take them off before meals and drinks. Brush your teeth and place them back into the mouth right after you are done with the meals.

Rob van den Berg, DDS, MS · Answer

Drinking with clear retainers is possible, but if you do so consistently they won't stay clear. Still, it is good to know that if you find yourself in a social situation and don't want to go through the hassle of having to take your retainers out, it is OK to keep them in on occasion. One of my patients told me that since she has her Invisalign she is able to eat ice cream again - the plastic protects her teeth from the cold! After drinking/eating with your clear retainers take them out soon to clean them and your teeth, even if you use a straw.

Scott Vincent, DMD, MS · Answer

It's best to remove clear retainers before you eat and drink anything of color for a couple of reasons.  The clear type of retainers have a tendency to stain and take on color from fluids while in the mouth. Once the color has been taken up by the retainer it is very difficult if not impossible to remove the staining even using denture cleaners and other high strength stain removers. There is also concern for the health of your teeth with the clear retainers on while drinking fluids, especially ones that contain sugar and acids. The chances of cavities, decalcifications and staining will increase by wearing the retainers while drinking fluids. My recommendation would be take the retainers out to drink all fluids other than water - hope that helps!!

Jason K. Tam, DDS · Answer

Just like with Invisalign treatment, clear retainers should be taken out for all food and drink except water.  Some doctors may ask patients to eat with aligners on during treatment, but the reasoning for this will not apply during the retention period.  There is an increased risk of cavities, demineralization, and staining if the proper care is not followed.  Good luck!

Can You Drink Anything on Clear, Essix, Rivera Retainers?

Answers (4)

Answer: Treat Essix retainers like Invisalign

Answer: Treat Essix retainers like Invisalign

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Can You Drink Anything on Clear, Essix, Rivera Retainers?

Answers (4)

Answer: Treat Essix retainers like Invisalign

Answer: Treat Essix retainers like Invisalign

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.