Hey there, I’m Dr. Babak from Los Angeles. One of the most common questions I get from my patients about Invisalign is whether they can drink beer with invisalign. Let me give you the straight answer based on my experience treating thousands of Invisalign patients.
The Short Answer: Not Recommended
While wearing your Invisalign aligners, drinking beer (or any alcoholic beverage) is generally not recommended. However, I understand life happens, so let’s dive into the details so you can make informed decisions.
Why Beer and Invisalign Don’t Mix Well
After treating patients from Santa Monica to Downtown LA, I’ve seen firsthand the issues that can arise:
- Staining risk: Beer, especially darker varieties like stouts and porters, can stain your clear aligners, making them noticeable (defeating the “invisible” benefit)
- Sugar content: Most beers contain sugars that can get trapped between your aligners and teeth, potentially leading to decay
- Acid exposure: Beer is acidic (pH typically between 3.0-5.0), and this acid gets trapped against your teeth when drinking with aligners in
- Temperature concerns: Warm beverages can potentially warp your aligners, altering their fit and effectiveness
What Happens If You Do Drink Beer With Aligners In
I had a patient from near the Hollywood Hills who regularly drank beer with his aligners in. Here’s what happened:
- His aligners developed a yellowish tint after just one week
- Treatment time extended by 6 weeks due to poor aligner fit
- He developed two small cavities where sugar and acid were trapped
According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, patients who frequently consume colored beverages with aligners in place experience a 60% higher rate of aligner discoloration and a 35% increase in treatment complications.
Your Best Options for Enjoying Beer During Invisalign Treatment
Based on my experience with patients throughout Los Angeles County, here are your best approaches:
Option 1: Remove Your Aligners (Preferred Method)
- Take out your aligners before drinking
- Enjoy your beer
- Rinse your mouth with water before putting aligners back in
- Clean aligners before reinserting them if possible
Remember: Your aligners should be worn 20-22 hours daily for optimal results. Plan your beer consumption accordingly!
Option 2: If You Must Drink With Aligners In
- Stick to light beers (fewer staining compounds)
- Use a straw to minimize contact with aligners
- Rinse with water frequently while drinking
- Clean your aligners thoroughly afterward
Types of Beer and Their Impact on Invisalign
| Beer Type | Staining Potential | Acidity Level | Sugar Content | Overall Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Lagers | Low | Medium | Low | Lower Risk |
| IPAs | Medium | High | Medium | Medium Risk |
| Stouts/Porters | High | Medium | Medium-High | High Risk |
| Wheat Beers | Medium | Medium | Medium-High | Medium Risk |
| Sours | Medium | Very High | Medium-High | High Risk |
Cleaning Your Aligners After Beer Exposure
If you’ve had beer with your aligners in, I recommend this cleaning protocol:
- Rinse aligners immediately with cool water
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste – it’s too abrasive)
- Soak in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water
- Rinse thoroughly before reinserting
Social Tips: Navigating Drinking Situations With Invisalign
For my patients near Culver City and Silver Lake who have active social lives, I suggest:
- Let close friends know you’re wearing Invisalign so they understand if you step away briefly
- Keep your aligner case handy for quick removal
- Set a discreet timer to remind yourself to reinsert aligners after 1-2 hours
- Consider timing your treatment to avoid major events/holidays if possible
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re a beer enthusiast concerned about your Invisalign treatment, consider:
- Clear alcoholic seltzers (lower staining potential)
- Taking a short break from drinking during your treatment
- Limiting beer consumption to specific days to minimize aligner removal
Frequently Asked Questions
Will one beer ruin my Invisalign?
A single beer is unlikely to cause permanent damage to your aligners, especially if you clean them properly afterward. However, repeated exposure increases risks of staining and warping.
Does the type of beer matter?
Absolutely. Darker beers like stouts and porters have significantly higher staining potential than lighter lagers and pilsners.
How long can I leave my aligners out to drink?
Aligners should be worn 20-22 hours daily. Most patients can safely remove aligners for up to 2 hours total per day across all meals and drinks.
Can I drink through a straw with Invisalign?
Using a straw helps minimize contact between beer and aligners, but doesn’t eliminate all risks. It’s still preferable to remove aligners.
Will beer affect how my Invisalign treatment works?
The beer itself won’t affect treatment, but reduced wearing time from frequent removal or warped aligners from drinking with them in can extend your treatment timeline.
The Bottom Line on Beer and Invisalign
After treating thousands of Invisalign patients throughout Los Angeles, my professional recommendation is to remove your aligners when drinking beer. The small inconvenience of removal is far outweighed by the benefits of maintaining clear, effective aligners and protecting your dental health.
Remember – Invisalign treatment is temporary, but your smile results are long-term! Making small sacrifices now leads to better outcomes and potentially shorter treatment times.
Looking for more information about Invisalign or wondering if it’s right for you? Book a consultation at our Los Angeles practice today. We offer same-day appointments for patients throughout Greater Los Angeles. If you want a second opinion, book online at: https://ladentalexperts.setmore.com
Sources:
Journal of Clinical Orthodontics. “Effects of Beverage Consumption on Clear Aligner Materials.” Vol. 56, 2023. https://www.jco-online.com/
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. “Clear Aligner Material Properties and Degradation.” 2024;165(3):330-338. https://www.ajodo.org/
Invisalign Clinical Research Series. “Aligner Wear Compliance and Treatment Outcomes.” 2023. https://www.invisalign.com/
American Dental Association. “Dietary Factors Affecting Dental Materials.” 2024. https://www.ada.org/
Journal of Dental Research. “Acidic Beverage Effects on Dental Materials.” 2023;102(8):920-927. https://journals.sagepub.com/