Can You Drink Water With Clear Retainers

Water will not clean a retainer on its own but drinking plenty of water during the day can prevent bacteria overgrowth.

Can you drink water with clear retainers. You can damage the structure. Drinking anything other than just water is not recommended. This means taking them out only when eating or drinking anything other than cool water. If you have retainers in depending on the type the saliva is less likely to be able to remineralise the enamel and so risk of damage to your teeth is increased.

Place the retainers in the tray that is filled with cool water to soak the devices overnight. Keeping a retainer moist will help prevent damage. Always brush your teeth after drinking anything other than water. Wear your very first retainer set all the time for 2 weeks just like you would aligners.

Liquids can seep into the retainer and the liquid is held against the teeth until the retainer is removed. You might be surprised to learn that align technology inc the maker of the invisalign system states that you should remove your aligners before drinking any kind of beverage other than just plain water cool or room temperature not hot. After the 2 weeks are up or if this isn t your first set wear your retainers just at night every night for at least 8 hours. If you have an essix retainer you may be advised to avoid drinking liquids except water when the retainers are in place.

Liquids with sugar and or acids such as regular and diet soft drinks can cause tooth decay. However if your retainers are discolored then you can soak the items to remove debris. Keep your retainers sanitized. Just leave them alone so you don t ruin the retainer cause it to fall onto the ground or damage your mouth.

Not only do you risk decay but they can make your teeth feel a bit furry and unpleasant if you drink soft drinks with your aligners in. Even one or two nights without wearing your retainer can cause slight shifting. Flip them or play with them using your tongue. If you have a problem with your retainer it s lost broken warped too loose too tight etc.

If you want to play it safe and follow professional advice avoid sparkling water with or without retainers. Liquids with color coffee tea red wine etc can stain teeth.