For many of us, a cup of coffee is a daily ritual. Whether it’s your morning pick-me-up or fuel for a late night, that piping-hot (or ice-cold) beverage can feel non-negotiable. That said, if you’re wearing Invisalign, you might want to think twice about how you’re enjoying your coffee. While it’s still fine to drink it during your treatment, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind to prevent setbacks, including removing your aligners each time. Keep reading to learn more!
Why Coffee & Invisalign Don’t Mix
You should never drink coffee while wearing your Invisalign aligners; your orthodontist will inform you of this when you kick off your treatment. Invisalign aligners are made from a clear, medical-grade plastic that’s designed to gently move your teeth, the same way braces do; however, this material is still vulnerable to damage.
Hot beverages like coffee can soften or warp the plastic, causing it to stop fitting correctly. This can happen even if the coffee doesn’t feel “that hot” to you! Once an aligner loses its precise shape, it cannot do its job, which in turn slows down or halts your treatment progress altogether.
It’s also important to note that one of Invisalign’s biggest benefits is that it’s nearly invisible; however, coffee is well-known for causing stains, and the beverage will turn your aligners cloudy or yellow, as well as trap sugary particles under them that can lead to decay.
Tips for Enjoying Coffee During Invisalign Treatment
All of that said, it’s still okay to enjoy coffee during your treatment timeline if you take a few precautions in addition to removing your aligners:
- Rinse your mouth before putting your aligners back in to wash away acids, sugars, and dark-colored pigments from the coffee.
- Continue to maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing each day. Similarly, keep your aligners clean so they remain clear.
- Substitute coffee for water when you can, since it’s the only thing you can drink while wearing Invisalign—and provides oral health benefits of its own, like increased saliva flow.
The bottom line is, with just a few simple habits, you can continue enjoying your favorite coffee while still achieving healthier, confident teeth!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has proudly served the needs of those in Framingham and the nearby communities for several years under the leadership of Dr. Anna Simon. We offer a wide selection of orthodontic services for all ages, including exciting Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or need to get in touch to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please call or reach out online for more information. Telephone: (508) 250-0170.
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