EATING AND DRINKING WITH ALIGNERS? l Dr. Melissa Bailey

Is it better to eat or drink with your aligners on in order to achieve a 22 hour/day wear goal? Dr. Bailey explains life aligner balance.
👩🏻‍⚕️Dr. Bailey is a board certified orthodontist and co-founder of TrayMinder®.
TrayMinder® is an app that helps busy aligner users to remember to wear their trays so that they can achieve their best possible smile.
📱Download the free TrayMinder® app today to help you get better results from your clear aligner therapy: app.trayminder.com.
💙Retainer Brite: amzn.to/36vKvK0
Links may contain affiliates. This is not a sponsored post.
💡Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical/dental advice. Content provided on this KZbin channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with an orthodontist or dentist regarding any dental related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this KZbin channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

[@Sevencoins7]

Starts at 1:50

[@thegreatestbharat7701]

🥲 thank you

[@JordanJSparks]

this is the most PRACTICAL advice I have heard from an Orthodontist!

[@TrayMinder]

Thank you :)

[@JordanJSparks]

@@TrayMinder You are very welcome!! Do you mind if I ask if you chose to work as a General Dentist before you became an Orthodontist? Or did you go straight through in a residency program?

[@TrayMinder]

Straight from dental school to residency.

[@biggdogfresh2263]

@@TrayMinder hello there I was drinking hot coffee and now there are not as snug should I get another set or are they ok

[@ds74878]

I had that exact question and the extra day is a brilliant answer. Thank you!

[@TrayMinder]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching.

[@clips7092]

I'm halfway into my invisalign treatment but I've learned so much from your videos just now from finding them! I did have a suggestion for the app for there to be a somewhat mini timer for swapping out the rubber bands throughout the day(much like how trayminder was made from there being a lack of an app like it, there's no app with a constant timer like that right now that takes into account skipping night time). Thank you again!

[@TrayMinder]

Thanks for the nice comment. You have a great idea about the mini timer. It’ll be taken to the team for future app development.

[@luis6633]

Thank you! Your videos are very informative!

[@TrayMinder]

Glad to hear that :)

[@cincodemanny]

i just got mine today ! super informative. thank you!

[@TrayMinder]

Glad to hear that! Good luck with your treatment:)

[@mrkinla]

Greetings, Dr. Bailey. I am on tray #3. Eating and drinking (red wine), frankly, is the only challenge with these. I only eat once per day in the later afternoon, but I enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning; I like to slowly sip it but I don't want my trays out more than 1 to 1-1/2 hours, so I make sure to gulp it down quicker than normal because I need time to brush before I put in the aligners. For dinner, I take a bit more time (1-1/2 to 2 hrs) to eat because I cannot rush through food, and I also need to FLOSS and brush after dinner. That gives me at least 20-21 hours of wear time. I also watched your other video about the halos and it helped me tremendously b/c my orthodontist is out of town and off of the grid. I did more time with my chew toy and the halos disappeared. Thank you so much.

[@TrayMinder]

Thanks for sharing your experience and I'm glad to hear that the videos have been helpful. Good luck with your treatment.

[@sammiepittman3130]

thank you so much. I have a work thing coming up

[@natashadwyer8336]

Does anyone’s mouth feel a bit itchy? I’m hoping by day 3 things aren’t as uncomfortable. Also the top of one tooth 🦷 is painful; so much so hurts to chew on that side. Am wrapping up day #2 😅😅😅😅😅 really struggling here. Glad I found your page and such a nice community of comments.

[@PeaceIsYeshua]

🙌🏻 This video and your replies in the comments are SO helpful! I’m about to embark on Invisalign, and I’ll definitely be watching your videos! Subscribed, and I downloaded your app too! Thank you so much! 💗💗

[@TrayMinder]

Thank you for taking the time to write a comment and to let me know that the videos are helpful - it really helps others to find this channel. Good luck with your treatment :)

[@PeaceIsYeshua]

@@TrayMinder You’re so very welcome! Super happy to have found you!! 🎉 God bless!

[@ourfamilyvideos7283]

This works! Problems- brushing in public when the restroom is packed…can’t figure this out…or when traveling

[@Mickieshelton]

Great info

[@TrayMinder]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@beckyburnett8641]

Thank you so much. Heading to the beach for 4th of July week and trying to figure how to navigate the aligner time but not add on extra days before switching trays. Your videos are so helpful. Thank you!

[@TrayMinder]

Glad it helped!

[@franz3091]

Hi Dr. Bailey, as a new aligner patient I love to watch your very helpful videos. My orthodontist does not have the time to explain everything in this detailedness. Best wishes from Germany.

[@fotmpax6034]

Change your Doctor

[@TrayMinder]

Thank you! Even I don’t have the time to explain in such detail with my own patients. That’s why I wanted to create a way to “spend” more time with my patients and perhaps help other people in the process.

[@fotmpax6034]

@@TrayMinder if you are a good doctor you MUST explain all the things to your patients if you don't you don't love your work

[@fotmpax6034]

And if you want to know I am also orthodontist like you my doctor..

[@franz3091]

Please keep calm! Add all the hours of the trayminder-videos and ask yourself if that could be done to all single patients. In Germany there is absolutely no orthodontist who is able or who is willing to do that. So it is my personal kind of view and I am pleased that Dr. Bailey is full of help. L

[@akalilbit08]

Getting my aligners tomorrow!!! 😬😬😬

[@TrayMinder]

Good luck!!

[@tanedasmith9370]

Thank you! I’ve just had my trays since 12/28/21😂I’m 60 and was concerned if I was to old for them😂😂(NOT).. I’ve learned more from you than my orthodontist 😂😂. The first two days was an adjustment, however, I want to make sure I do everything correctly. I have some inside lip irritation, but I use a little rinse for it. Learning to eat and sleep was an adjustment, wow😂. However, it wasn’t as bad as I thought☺️Thanks again for your videos

[@TrayMinder]

You’re welcome. It sounds like you’re on the right track and very diligent. Good luck with your treatment.

[@mandy5628]

I have a question. What if your at school and take them out for lunch? Do you have to brush your teeth before you can put them back in?

[@MassGainingGuy]

Great advice! I'm on week 5 with invisalign and I love it!

[@TrayMinder]

That’s great to hear! Good luck with your treatment :)

[@AnaGonzalez-be7xm]

Im 3 hrs in & i hate them 🤣. They’re so uncomfortable

[@taahirmusa9596]

@@AnaGonzalez-be7xm hope all worked out for you

[@AnaGonzalez-be7xm]

@@taahirmusa9596 TY ! They did. I only had them for 12 weeks

[@natashadwyer8336]

Me too. It’s a lot more uncomfortable than I thought😢 and I’m struggling bc I am such a snacked. Which this is a good time / way to end a bad habit of mindless snacking.

[@PeacherLiz]

Could you please talk about eating with your trays in? If you do, what are the extra steps needed to clean them afterwards? I have heard very different opinions on this matters, so would love to hear your thoughts! Thank you.

[@TrayMinder]

I usually advise eating and drinking with aligners out. If you eat with your aligners on, be sure to promptly brush your teeth and aligners afterwards. Of course, follow the instructions of your treating orthodontist.

[@barretthighschool9508]

This video helped me a lot! I just got my aligners and attachments yesterday, and I'm really worried about what I can't do anymore. I know the first few days will be sore, but I was meaning to ask: will it always be extremely painful for me to take off my aligners? Even when the soreness is gone? Must I make sure I'm in the 22-hour rule in my first week when things are really moving, so I don't run the risk of hurting the movement of my teeth so early on? Thanks again! And sorry for the questions. I feel less anxious to stay spot-on. You are much kinder than my orthodontist!! :) Thankyou thankyou!!

[@TrayMinder]

You have very good questions. No, your teeth will not always be so sore, especially when taking off aligners. It’s like exercise. The beginning is the worst. Yes, it’s best to develop an excellent habit at the beginning by wearing your aligners 22 hours a day. It’s easier to establish a good habit than to fix a bad habit. This is your golden opportunity to set a good routine. The rest of your journey will be on cruise control if you do it right the first month. The TrayMinder app is a helpful tool if you choose to use it. Good luck!

[@barretthighschool9508]

@@TrayMinder Thank you! :D

[@palashagrawal1884]

Thank you for your advices, doc! Really wonderful! Just had a one question is it really normal to have tension headaches when you just start wearing aligners?

[@TrayMinder]

I’m glad to hear that the video have been helpful. Some patients do report headaches, but usual only at the beginning for a few days. Be sure to drink lots of water.

[@palashagrawal1884]

@@TrayMinder thank you so much for your response! Really appreciate it! 😀

[@nitalestari4664]

Hi dr, how lonv invisible braces can allow in teeth????

[@sheld0n]

Can you explain what you mean wearing it an extra day? Like eighth day in the week? I'd love to but I'm not a Beatle.

[@edozat1]

I have just started with my first tray and have watched all your videos. Extremely well explained, informative and helpful. In this video, you started with a question about drinking a cocktail with your trays in versus taking them out, a quick drink and putting them back on. It seems that you would advocate the latter. Still, I wonder if you could elaborate on the effects on my teeth (not the trays) of drinking with trays in. I am mainly interested in the effects of coffee, tea, beer and both red and white wine (I don't drink sodas, but others might be interested in that too). Is there a big difference between those drinks. Is wine worse than beer, is coffee worse than tea? And how long will it take before the effects take place? When I drink tea or beer at 9PM and go to bed at 10PM, is it ok to leave the trays in because I will brush my teeth and tray an hour later anyway? Lot of questions, I know. Might even be worth a video? ;-) Anyway, thanks for your efforts to inform us!

[@TrayMinder]

Thanks for your nice comment. You asked some very good questions. To be honest, I don’t know the answer. I’m not aware of any good evidenced based publications that addresses those questions in regards to clear aligner therapy. Drinks with acid and sugar are not good for the enamel of teeth and can cause decalcification and weakening. Also red wine and coffee will stain the enamel.

[@petergriffinson1907]

Hello Melissa! If I use a straw and no liquid touches my teeth can I drink (non water) without taking off my aligner and brushing my tooth after? Maybe a quick rinse with water to cleanse the mouth.

[@TrayMinder]

Great question. Most doctors would say no eating or drinking with aligners on except water due to risks of decalcification of the enamel. Consult with your doctor to see what they recommend.

[@sharins2265]

Thank you so much. Is that ok to drink hot tea or coffee Or soup with the aligners?

[@TrayMinder]

Just water with aligners - remove aligners for other foods and drinks. Please check with your provider for their preferences.

[@uGotN0jams]

So i have to keep my aligners in because if i were to bite down without them on the attatchments on the inside of my top teeth will break as i have an overbite. Once in a while could i have boba tea/coffee/iced tea and take my attatchments out clean them and my teeth RIGHT after? Or will that still mess my teeth up. Im just struggling not being able to snack or have certain drinks and im only on day 3😞

[@mayleighros1100]

I just ate mash potatoes with my Invisalign in and it is my first day - I didn’t want to take them out because it is extremely painful

[@TrayMinder]

The first three days are the worst. It will get better soon for you. Good luck with your treatment.

[@ayeshasiddiqa8363]

Exactly removing them is so painful m hey can you tell me did it get easy overtime for you? I feel my teeth will fall off

[@eeii8235]

@@ayeshasiddiqa8363 how old are you

[@ayeshasiddiqa8363]

Toughest part is removing it. I have caps on and I feel my caps will come.off. even my normal teeth I feel it will come.out.

[@TrayMinder]

I hope it gets better and easier for you soon. Hang in there.

[@chriswolf2218]

Hello. I just got my retainers yesterday and had a quick question about eating and drinking. I usually eat some snacks a good amount per day, and drink sodas, milk, etc. I am aware to not eat and drink with the retainers on, so how many times can I remove my retainer per day and how long can I keep them off to where they don't shift?

[@TrayMinder]

If you’re in retention (completed treatment) the retainers should ideally be off for less than 2-4 hours a day. That gives ample time for meals and snacks. If you have any unique dental situation, this may not apply so it’s best to ask your dentist.

[@ayeshasiddiqa8363]

You are answering nothing

[@Kodak718]

@@ayeshasiddiqa8363 you're literally saying she's not answering under a comment where she answered. Get it together.

[@sould4518]

Hi, my lower aligners are all snug and i feel the pressure, but the upper one fits like a glove , no pressure or pain. Should I be worried?

[@TrayMinder]

Good question. Each aligner can fit differently based on the treatment goals and what you’re describing can be perfectly fine.

[@nnurinaisyah]

hi do i need to brush my teeth and clean my retainer after every meal before putting them on?

[@TrayMinder]

Not always. Consult your treating doctor for their take. Sometimes a vigorous rinse with water after a non sticky snack or meal is fine. Do a thorough brushing of teeth and aligners twice a day.

[@jnnic8138]

Hi , is there anything stopping you drinking with inman aligners.. iv read mixed messages .. for example a beer or a cola ? and what damage would it cause ? many thanks

[@TrayMinder]

Soda has a high level of sugar and is acidic, both of which can cause demineralization of enamel, causing decay and erosion.

[@aliciasamuel7586]

I know brushing your teeth right after eating isn't good for your enamel. So with invisalign how should it be done?

[@TrayMinder]

Great question. The general rule is to avoid brushing after consuming acidic foods. Check with your treating provider for their feedback.

[@joseemmanuelchaconchavarri2697]

Is it a good idea to use a straw when drinking coffee, alcohol or soda, to minimize the contact of the drink with the aligners?

[@TrayMinder]

With aligners on, liquids will inevitably get into your aligners and then you’re soaking your teeth in those liquids. This is likely worse since your saliva can’t help to wash away the liquids.

[@fotmpax6034]

@@TrayMinder you can drink with aligners doctor cold 🍸

[@krishnadwivedi8705]

Can I eat banana when Invisalign on ?

[@romesrepublic]

I was told to eat with them in and rinse after every meal.

[@TrayMinder]

Thanks for sharing. We’re you told to clean your teeth and aligners after eating?

[@romesrepublic]

@@TrayMinder No, just to clean them at the end of the day when i brush before bed.

[@yusukekomura3553]

Great video, thank you. I’m on my 4th set of aligners and somehow my teeth are getting stained, on the front side. There’s a yellowish line where the aligner seems to contact the teeth he hardest. I make sure to brush my teeth and keep the aligners clean. I just want to know if this staining is common, and whether it is an easy process to clean it off. Thank you in advance.

[@TrayMinder]

That’s frustrating since it seems like you are trying your best. Stains from certain foods are unavoidable because your teeth have pores. See this video for those foods: kzbin.infonqNe2YPCDO4?feature=share There are a few other videos on the TrayMinder KZbin channel on cleaning aligners and teeth whitening that you can watch. Ultimately, talk to your dentist and see what they recommend.

[@yusukekomura3553]

@@TrayMinder thank you for your reply. I’ve cut down on coffee but I’ll try to avoid other things too.

[@gilbertgonzalez7183]

Can I eat chicken nuggets and fries with attachments or nah?

[@zelebigztv8347]

Is it okay to drink water while wearing my aligners?

[@TrayMinder]

Yes, water is always allowed.

[@zelebigztv8347]

@@TrayMinder Many Thanks 😊

[@takiyah0526]

I am so skinny, and I've heard a lot of stories about people losing 10 LBS during invisalign. Sadly, I don't think I have even 5 lbs to lose. Is there a way to avoid weight loss while maintaining the 20-22 hr wear time?

[@TrayMinder]

Weight loss doesn’t have to be an issue as long as you’re eating the same amount. Many people lose weight because they are snacking and drinking less than usual and drinking more water.

[@princessjones34]

I am in the same boat

[@princessjones34]

Have you started your treatment yet?

[@Monicalala]

I’ve been cramming food in and having milk with meals. So far my weight has not declined.

[@kxrlin]

question: people say drinking through a straw you can do that?? would you say so? by the way im 3 weeks in and its going great so far! just hate taking them off for a drinkz :)

[@TrayMinder]

Liquid can get into the aligners, even with straw use. Best practice is to remove your aligners.

[@kxrlin]

@@TrayMinder easy as:) i’ve been taking them out all the time! thank you! , is it okay to just rinse your mouth then pit them back on! then after go home brush teeth and clean aligners like say i’m at a restaurant after eating ( rinse mouth , put them back in )

[@TrayMinder]

Many people do exactly what you had described.

[@kxrlin]

@@TrayMinder is that okay to do?

[@DY-ie3jy]

can I drink milk while wearing my ALIGNERS

[@TrayMinder]

Good question. Milk has lactose, a natural sugar, so it’s best to remove your aligners to avoid “soaking” your teeth in sugar.

[@Ethan-lv6mo]

Can I just eat whole meals with my aligners on? After finishing meals, take it off, clean aligners and brush/floss teeth and get back on. Will it make more easier to reach 22+ hours a day?

[@TrayMinder]

It may be more comfortable and enjoyable to take your aligners off for meals. Many people use the 20/30/40 minute rule for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This leaves another 30 for snacks and oral hygiene.

[@Twigirl007]

@@TrayMinder hi doctor, love your helpful videos! I got aligners last week and I'm struggling with time since after I eat I need to wait like 20mins to brush my teeth to protect my enamel. So I'm rushing through everything and splitting three meals 40 min each including brushing and flossing. Can you offer any advice?

[@eeii8235]

@@Twigirl007 so instead of brushing everytime you can just floss and rinse before putting them back on.

[@adeshe22]

This video is not answer the question about drinking with the liners in. We understand special occasions but what about the everyday drinking?

[@TrayMinder]

The general adage is “no drinking or eating with aligners on except water.”

[@gengen6072]

I just got mine three days ago and I hate it so far, every time I take them out there’s so much pressure on the front two teeth and I feel like my teeth are going to snap off. I haven’t been eating breakfast or lunch because it’s too much of a pain to take them out when im at school. I already lost one of my buttons and im just so frustrated, does taking them in and out get easier? Because right now it’s not even worth it to eat every meal because of the hassle

[@TrayMinder]

It usually gets better with time and practice. Hang in there!

[@PeaceIsYeshua]

I hope things are going better for you with Invisalign! 💗

[@elizabethmyers5335]

It does get better trust me. I’m sure you’ve noticed it by now though! I hope you stuck with it. Trust me, it’s worth it!!

[@gengen6072]

So far it’s been a lot better, those first few weeks were rough but I’m used to it now

[@elizabethmyers5335]

@@gengen6072 yah I remember the first day of having mine, I cried cause I couldn’t get my aligners out so I could eat 😂

[@strangerfable8666]

wtf.. you did not say if it's okay for us to eat while on invisalign.

[@priyakamaraj7110]

Invisalign time can I have ice cream madam??

[@TrayMinder]

Removing the aligners to eat or drink (except water) is recommended by most dentists.

[@ourfamilyvideos7283]

I carry my child soft toothbrush,tiny toothpaste and flossed in a snack size baggie in purse

[@TrayMinder]

Thanks for sharing your experience- sounds like a good system.

[@maikelfm9520]

This is clickbait and a waste of time. It's very simple: YOU DON'T. You just remove the aligners when you are ready to eat, then eat, brush teeth and then put them back.

[@user-qv8gl7zj4t]

Complete waste of time lol

[@sagesarabia5053]

Get to the point!!

[@tomsim22]

She did?

[@JordanJSparks]

@@QuikSlvr_ LOL for real though!! Like you can't sit through 3 minutes?? haha.

[@foodioki]

thats why you dont get views. u dnt go straight to point. tssk