Can You Drink Hot Tea With Invisalign? The Truth

Yes, you can drink hot tea with Invisalign, but it’s best to remove your aligners to avoid warping from the heat and ensure effective treatment.

Many Invisalign wearers wonder if they can still enjoy their favorite hot beverages like tea without damaging their aligners. The short answer is no – hot drinks can warp your trays. But with proper precautions, you can still enjoy warm tea during treatment.

Why Hot Tea Is Risky With Invisalign

Invisalign trays are made from a thermoplastic material called SmartTrack that’s sensitive to heat. When exposed to hot liquids, the plastic can:

• Warp and lose their precise fit
• Become misshapen, reducing treatment effectiveness
• Develop cloudy stains from tea pigments

According to Invisalign’s official guidelines, only room temperature water is safe to drink with aligners in.

The Temperature Danger Zone

Research shows SmartTrack material begins to soften at temperatures above 104°F (40°C). Most hot teas are served between:

Tea Type	Typical Serving Temp
Black Tea	200-212°F (93-100°C)
Green Tea	160-180°F (71-82°C)
Herbal Tea	208°F (98°C)

All these exceed the safe threshold for Invisalign trays.

How To Safely Enjoy Tea With Invisalign

You don’t need to give up tea completely. Follow these expert-approved methods:

1. Remove Aligners Before Drinking

The safest approach is to:

1. Take out your aligners
2. Enjoy your tea
3. Rinse with water
4. Brush if possible
5. Reinsert aligners

This prevents both heat damage and staining.

2. Let Tea Cool First

If you must drink with aligners in:

• Wait until tea is lukewarm (below 104°F)
• Use a thermometer to check temperature
• Consider iced tea as an alternative

3. Use A Straw Strategically

While specialty straws can help, they’re not foolproof. Liquid still contacts aligners when swallowing.

Tea Alternatives During Treatment

Consider these Invisalign-friendly options:

Cold Brew Tea

Steeped at room temperature, cold brew won’t warp trays. Try it with:

• Jasmine green tea
• Hibiscus herbal blends
• White peach tea

Herbal “Teas”

Many caffeine-free options like rooibos or chamomile taste great at lower temperatures.

Golden Milk

This turmeric-based drink offers warmth without excessive heat. Try our anti-inflammatory smoothie recipes for similar benefits.

Maintaining Your Aligners

If you accidentally expose aligners to hot tea:

1. Remove immediately
2. Rinse with cool water
3. Inspect for warping
4. Contact your orthodontist if damaged

Proper care ensures your treatment stays on track while allowing occasional tea enjoyment.