If you have a mildly crooked smile, Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional braces. These clear, plastic aligners are customized to fit snuggly over your teeth and gently reposition them over a designated period. Part of the reason they’ve grown so popular over the years is because there aren’t as many dietary concerns as there are with metal brackets on your teeth. That said, many patients wonder if they can have coffee with Invisalign. If you don’t want to live without your daily dose of caffeine, continue reading to learn more.
Is It Safe to Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
If you’re an avid coffee drinker, you may be worried that you’ll have to give up your favorite beverage if you get Invisalign. Fortunately, that’s not the case. Typically, your orthodontist will instruct you to remove your aligner trays for meals, which means there aren’t many dietary restrictions. The food you eat can’t impact your Invisalign if you don’t have it in your mouth!
Why Can’t I Drink Coffee While Wearing Invisalign?
If you keep your aligners in your mouth while drinking coffee, you’re at risk of:
- Developing tooth decay. It’s common to include milk, cream, sugar, and other additives in your coffee. These ingredients can stick to your teeth underneath your aligners, which you wear for 22 hours every day. They’re likely to attract harmful bacteria that contribute to cavities during that time.
- Acid damage. Coffee itself is highly acidic which wears down your enamel, especially if it’s caught between your teeth and Invisalign all day. This also contributes to cavities.
- Reshaping your aligner trays. Your Invisalign is comprised of a plastic material that’s notorious for warping when exposed to heat. Consuming hot coffee with them in your mouth can mold them so they no longer fit correctly.
- Staining. Coffee contains tannins that discolor your teeth as well as your clear aligners. They’ll be much more visibly noticeable as a result which defeats the purpose of having ‘invisible’ orthodontics.
How Can I Safely Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
You don’t have to sacrifice coffee to move forward with this treatment; just be sure to take your aligners out to enjoy it. You don’t want to leave them out of your mouth for too long, though, because it’s essential that you wear them for 22 hours a day. That means you might have to drink your coffee more quickly than you’re used to. Instead of sipping on it slowly all morning, for example, try to finish your cup within 30 minutes.
By taking a few simple precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy your caffeine boost every day while maintaining your orthodontics!
About the Practice
At Willow Bend Orthodontics of Plano, patients of all ages benefit from a team of board-certified orthodontists who work together to fix crooked, gapped, or misaligned teeth. They provide a wide array of services, including Invisalign, in a pleasant and stress-free environment. They know that everyone has unique dental needs and provide individualized treatments to address them. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 732-1400.