Can You Drink Alcohol with Invisalign? The Complete Guide
You wear Invisalign aligners and wonder if you can drink alcohol? Cocktails, red wine, champagne… Is your social life compatible with your treatment?
A legitimate question for those considering or undergoing Invisalign treatment.
The answer is simple: yes, but never with your aligners in your mouth.
Why alcohol is problematic with Invisalign
The golden rule: only water is allowed
With your aligners, only one drink is permitted: clear water. Everything else must be consumed with aligners removed.
This rule has no exceptions. Not even for “just a sip.”
The risks of alcohol on your aligners
Permanent staining
- Red wine immediately stains the plastic
- Colored cocktails leave visible traces
- Your “transparent” aligners turn yellowish
Material deformation
- Hot alcohol (mulled wine, grog) softens the plastic
- Your aligners lose their precise shape
- Treatment becomes less effective
Sugar accumulation
- Beer, cocktails, sweet wines contain sugar
- Trapped under the aligner, they promote cavities
- Your teeth “bathe” in sugar for hours
Destructive acidity
- Champagne and white wine are very acidic
- They weaken enamel and attack plastic
- Double damage: teeth and aligners
How to drink alcohol with Invisalign
The protocol to follow
Before drinking
- Remove your aligners properly
- Store them immediately in their case
- Never leave them lying on a table
During the evening
- Drink normally (in moderation)
- Alternate with water between each glass
- Rinse your mouth regularly
Before putting your aligners back
- Brush your teeth thoroughly
- Use dental floss if possible
- Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water
- Put them back only when your mouth is clean
Concrete example: evening with friends
7:00 PM: You arrive at the aperitif
- Remove your aligners discreetly
- Put them in their case
7:30 PM: First glass of wine
- Drink normally
- Drink a glass of water after
9:00 PM: Moving to dinner
- Continue without your aligners
- Stay hydrated regularly
11:30 PM: End of evening
- Mandatory teeth brushing
- Put aligners back in place
- Maximum 4h30 without aligners: perfect!
Mistakes to absolutely avoid
Drinking with aligners
"Just a sip of champagne to toast" → Risk of permanent stains
Just rinsing with water
Putting aligners back without brushing → Trapping sugary residues
Leaving aligners lying around
Placing them on the restaurant table → Risk of loss or contamination
Exceeding the time limit
Forgetting to put aligners back → Treatment delay
Alcohol and aligner types: our expert advice
Red and rosé wine
Maximum staining risk
- Remove your aligners immediately
- Brush your teeth before putting them back
- Avoid drinking red wine with new aligners
Champagne and white wine
High acidity
- Rinse your mouth well after
- Wait 30 minutes before putting your aligners back
- Acidity continues to act even after ingestion
Beer and cider
Hidden sugars
- Mandatory brushing after consumption
- Watch out for sweet and flavored beers
- Hydrate more
Cocktails
Mix of risks
- Colorants + sugar + alcohol = triple danger
- Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Sangria: remove your aligners
- Choose clear spirits if possible
Managing your social life with Invisalign
Plan your outings
Long evenings
- Remove your aligners from the aperitif
- Keep your case in your bag
- Put them back before sleeping
Short events
- Business lunch: keep maximum 2 hours
- Cocktail reception: remove for eating AND drinking
Respect wearing times
Your aligners must be worn 22h/24. You have 2 hours of “freedom” per day: use them wisely.
Ideal distribution:
- 1 hour for meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- 1 hour for social events or brushing
Frequently asked questions about Invisalign and alcohol
Only water. Still water, unflavored sparkling water. Even tea and coffee are forbidden with aligners.
Minimum 30 minutes for acidic drinks. Ideal: complete teeth brushing before putting back.
Consult your practitioner quickly. Stained aligners are less effective and less aesthetic.
No! Household alcohol damages plastic. Lukewarm water and toothbrush are sufficient.
HymySmile Diamond Provider expertise
With over 1000 cases treated, we know that social life is important during your treatment.
What our patients notice:
- Total discretion during social events
- The ability to smile naturally in public
- A treatment that integrates perfectly into daily life
Personalized follow-up in Netanya and Tel-Aviv
During your check-up appointments, we verify:
- The condition of your aligners
- Absence of staining
- Your dietary and social habits
Final word: enjoy with peace of mind
Drinking alcohol with Invisalign is possible. Just follow a few simple rules.
The essentials to remember:
- Always remove your aligners to drink
- Store them in their case
- Brush your teeth before putting them back
- Respect the 22 hours of daily wear
Your Invisalign treatment shouldn’t prevent you from living. With good habits, you maintain a normal social life while achieving the smile of your dreams.
Questions about your treatment? Consult our Diamond Provider experts in Netanya (Halamed Hei Street 5) or Tel-Aviv (Habarzel St. 11).