If you are the type of person who cannot function without a cup of coffee in the morning, you may want to know if it’s okay to still enjoy your favorite beverage while wearing Invisalign. These clear aligners are designed to be discreet, but too much exposure to dark-colored foods and beverages can leave them stained, so what can you do? Read on to learn whether you can continue to satisfy your coffee craving during Invisalign treatment.
What Should You Remember When Drinking Coffee During Invisalign Treatment?
There are potential risks that come with enjoying dark-colored foods and beverages while wearing clear aligners, including:
- Possible Staining: It is easy for food and beverages to leave behind debris on your teeth. If you do not rinse or brush after meals, remnants can transfer to your aligners, leading to stains over time.
- Warping: Exposing your aligners to hot beverages can warp the plastic, causing them to no longer fit correctly. This can cause treatment delays that should be avoided at all costs.
- Tooth Decay: Coffee is acidic, and if you add cream and sugar, you continue to increase your chances of developing cavities. This can create problems with your treatment timeline, as you will require additional dental care to restore your oral health.
Can You Still Enjoy Coffee While Wearing Invisalign?
Yes, you can still plan to enjoy your morning cup of joe while undergoing clear aligner treatment; however, there are a few things you will need to do to avoid stains and potential damage. These include:
- Remember to remove your aligners before taking a sip. Failing to do so can warp the plastic (if the coffee is hot) and cause stains over time.
- Avoid adding cream and sugar to your coffee, as these can increase your risk of dental decay and cavities.
- Do not sip but drink your coffee quickly. This ensures that you place your aligners back in your mouth in a timely manner. Waiting too long to reinsert them can lead to treatment delays.
- Brush and/or rinse your mouth and trays before reinserting them into your mouth. This flushes away any debris and bacteria that might transfer from your teeth to your aligners.
- Use a straw to minimize the amount of liquid that comes into contact with your teeth.
If you want to enjoy a cup of coffee while working toward a straighter smile, go ahead, but be sure to follow the necessary steps to keep your pearly whites safe during Invisalign treatment.
About the Practice
Treehouse Orthodontics is pleased to provide Invisalign aligners to patients who prefer a discreet smile-straightening solution. Crafted for comfort and faster results, these trays can shift teeth in 12-18 months, on average. However, they do require greater responsibility, which is why our team is here to clarify and explain why certain habits should be altered or avoided altogether. Visit our website or call one of our offices to schedule a consultation to discuss what you should and should not do during Invisalign treatment.