Many things in life go hand in hand. Peanut butter and jelly. Batman and Robin. Bacon and eggs. But does coffee and Invisalign? Unlike salt and pepper, Invisalign is a relatively new way to straighten teeth. Since the late 1990s, these clear trays have been an amazing option for people. Invisalign offers a dramatically more comfortable, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing treatment than clunky traditional metal braces. And the great news is that you can still enjoy your coffee with Invisalign too…but with some adjustments. Read on to learn more about drinking your favorite morning beverage while getting a straighter smile from your dentist in Millersville.
The Risks of Drinking Coffee with Invisalign
As you journey towards your ideal smile with Invisalign, you will have to be aware of what you consume while wearing the trays. You should not eat or drink anything but water any time you are wearing your Invisalign aligners. Unfortunately, this definitely means you can’t drink your coffee while your aligners are in your mouth. But why? Drinking coffee with Invisalign can cause:
- Warped Trays: Coffee is usually served hot, and since Invisalign trays are made of biocompatible plastic, it can cause them to become warped and damaged. A warped aligner will need to be replaced, which will add more time and money to your treatment.
- Stains and Discoloration: Drinking anything other than water while wearing your trays can stain them, taking away the discreetness they were designed for. Additionally, your teeth will be more susceptible to discoloration as coffee gets trapped between your teeth and the aligners.
- Risk of Decay: Coffee is an acidic beverage that can weaken the enamel and leave it prone to cavities. Many people also add cream and sugar to their coffee, which can increase your risk of tooth decay as it settles underneath your trays.
For these reasons, you should never drink coffee while wearing Invisalign. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up the beverage entirely!
Can You Still Enjoy Coffee During the Invisalign Process?
The answer is YES! Your goal achieving of that picture-perfect smile doesn’t have to get in the way of that morning shot of energy. You’ll just have to make a few adjustments, such as:
- Be mindful of time – Sipping your coffee slowly over a long period isn’t an option with Invisalign. Try to finish it in 15-30 minutes. This will help you hit the 20 to 22-hour daily requirement for wearing your trays.
- Take your aligners out first – Before taking that first sip, always remove your trays and store them safely in their carrying case to prevent them from getting lost or damaged.
- Brush or rinse once you’re done – As soon as you’re finished with your coffee, brush your teeth and rinse off your trays before putting them back into your mouth. If you can’t brush, at least swish some water around for a few seconds. This protects your aligners and teeth by clearing away any lingering coffee particles.
- Go light on the cream and sugar – The less cream and sugar in your coffee, the less cavity-causing bacteria will grow on your aligners.
So, there’s the great news! With awareness of these adjustments, your comfort doesn’t have to be sacrificed in getting straighter teeth OR drinking coffee with Invisalign trays.
About the Author
Dr. Vy Tran and her team at Transcendent Smiles serve the smiles of Millersville and the surrounding communities. She received her dental doctorate at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. She is Invisalign Certified and constantly adds to her expertise with continuing education through the world-renowned Pankey Institute. If you would like more information about Invisalign, you can contact Transcendent Smiles through their website or by phone at (410) 421-7316.