Do you love starting your morning with a freshly brewed cup of coffee? Maybe you enjoy sipping on a creamy cold brew as an afternoon pick-me-up. Either way, you may be wondering if all that will come to an end once you start Invisalign. To learn the answer, as well as some must-know tips for coffee enthusiasts, read on!
So, Can You Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
It’s true; drinking coffee while wearing your Invisalign aligners is strongly discouraged. There are three important reasons for this:
- Unsightly stains and discoloration – Like your teeth, your trays can take on a yellowish appearance over time, especially if you are drinking lots of dark-colored beverages, like coffee. Even indulging in one cup with your trays in can cause them (and your teeth!) to look brittle and dull.
- Increased risk of tooth decay – In short, the acidic nature of coffee can result in cavities. Plus, the trays won’t protect your teeth; they can actually trap the liquid against them, increasing your risk of tooth decay. Not only can this seriously impact your oral health, but it also can cause you to fall off-track with your treatment plan.
- Warped trays – While the clear aligners are durable, they aren’t invincible. If exposed to hot beverages (even hot water), the trays can warp. No longer able to fit snugly against your teeth, they are rendered virtually useless.
5 Tips for Coffee-Lovers with Invisalign
If you find joy in your daily cup of coffee, don’t worry – you don’t have to give it up just because you started Invisalign. Here are a few quick tips for enjoying your beverage of choice without falling off-track with your treatment plan:
- Keep your trays in while you’re preparing your coffee to keep the amount of time you aren’t wearing them to a minimum.
- Prepare your coffee with minimal cream and sugar.
- Always take out your trays, rinse them with lukewarm water, and store them properly.
- Drink your coffee quickly. Remember, you have to meet the 22-hour-a-day wear time.
- Rinse and brush your teeth afterwards. Make sure to clean your aligners as well.
The Importance of Following Your Orthodontist’s Instructions
At the beginning of your treatment, you’ll likely have plenty of motivation to follow all of your orthodontist’s instructions. After a few months, however, you may begin to let a few bad habits creep in, like drinking coffee with your trays in. Remember, each “rule” is in place to benefit your treatment and, ultimately, the end result. So, don’t risk falling off-track with your plan. Remain committed to all of the Invisalign best practices!
About the Practice
With an experienced, compassionate, and talented team at Simply Orthodontics Worcester, our patients can have peace of mind knowing their smiles are in the absolute best hands. Our team would be more than happy to answer any questions you have and provide tips to make life with Invisalign as seamless and enjoyable as possible. If you want to learn more about Invisalign or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 757-3173.