Drinking with Braces or Invisalign. Why Orthodontists Recommend Using a Straw

Orthodontic treatment is an investment. It makes sense to protect them and your teeth. One of the simplest habits orthodontists often recommend is using a straw for certain drinks, and in the case of Invisalign, removing your aligners before you drink anything other than water. Here is why.

Why are braces more vulnerable to staining and damage?

Braces create more tiny surfaces where plaque and food particles can collect. Brackets and wires make cleaning a bit more complicated. Dark drinks like coffee, cola, tea, and red wine can stain both the teeth and the elastic bands around brackets.

Sugary and acidic drinks add another problem. They increase the risk of enamel erosion and cavities. When liquid washes over the front of your teeth, it lingers around brackets and wires. Over time, that exposure adds up.

Using a straw helps direct the drink toward the back of the mouth, reducing contact with the front teeth and braces. It is not a perfect shield, but it can make a noticeable difference.

Why should Invisalign be removed when drinking?

Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn for most of the day, but they are not meant to handle hot, sugary, or coloured drinks. Drinking coffee, tea, or fizzy drinks while wearing aligners can cause staining. The liquid can also get trapped between the aligner and your teeth.

That trapped liquid sits there. It creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, increasing the risk of decay.

Orthodontists usually advise removing your Invisalign trays before drinking anything except plain water. Afterward, it is best to rinse your mouth and clean your aligners before putting them back in.

It sounds like extra effort, and at first it can feel that way. But it quickly becomes routine. Our customers tell us that sometimes this is just not practical and so they find using a straw quicker and easier. Check out our habdy and portable silicone straw in a tin HERE.

How can a straw help during orthodontic treatment?

For braces, a straw can reduce staining and limit how much acidic or sugary liquid touches your teeth. For Invisalign users, a straw can still be helpful once the aligners are removed. It minimises contact with the front teeth and can reduce the risk of surface staining, especially with darker drinks.

This is where soft, reusable silicone straws are often preferred. They are gentle on sensitive teeth and gums, especially if your mouth feels sore after adjustments. Unlike rigid metal straws, silicone has some flexibility, which many orthodontic patients find more comfortable.

Is this really necessary?

Plain water is always safe. But for coffee, iced tea, juices, and fizzy drinks, these small precautions can protect your teeth during treatment. Orthodontic work can take years. Using a straw and removing Invisalign aligners before drinking may feel like minor habits, but they support better results and healthier enamel long term.

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