What if you had to get your morning started without a cup of coffee? It’s been a key part of your routine for a long time, but you recently wondered, “Can I drink coffee with Invisalign?” After all, straightening your smile is important to you as well. You’ll be glad to know that you can still drink coffee with Invisalign, but they just won’t be a pair that go together at the same time. Read on to learn from your dentist in Denver about why that is, plus tips for enjoying coffee during the process of straightening your teeth.
What Are Potential Issues with Coffee and Invisalign?
When you’re going through Invisalign treatment, you shouldn’t eat anything while wearing the aligners. The only thing you should drink is plain water. Why? Drinking coffee with your trays in could have several negative consequences like:
- Higher risk of tooth decay – Most people add cream and sugar to their coffee. Even if you don’t, coffee is acidic. When coffee is stuck between the trays and your teeth, it exposes your enamel to acid and possibly sugar, increasing the risk of cavities.
- Aligners changing shape – Invisalign trays are made from plastic that tends to warp when exposed to heat. Drinking a piping-hot mug of coffee could cause your trays to not fit correctly anymore, creating delays in your treatment.
- Staining – Any beverage besides water could discolor your aligners, making people more likely to notice you’re wearing them. Your teeth might also stain, as the trays will trap some of the coffee against them.
For these reasons, you should never drink coffee while wearing Invisalign. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up the beverage entirely.
How Could You Drink Coffee During Invisalign Treatment?
If you can’t even imagine starting your day without coffee, don’t worry. You can still enjoy it during your Invisalign treatment. However, you’ll have to make a few adjustments:
- Drink your coffee quickly – Leisurely sipping your coffee isn’t an option with Invisalign. Try to finish it in 15-30 minutes. That way, you’re still likely to hit the 20 to 22-hour daily requirement for wearing your trays.
- 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.
- Take your aligners out first – Before taking that first sip, remove your trays and store them safely in their carrying case to prevent them from getting lost or damaged.
- Cut down on cream and sugar – The less cream and sugar in your coffee, the reduced opportunity for cavity-causing bacteria to grow on your aligners.
“So, can I drink coffee with Invisalign?” You most certainly can – just be sure to follow these tips from your dentist in Denver so you keep yourself on course to achieve successful Invisalign treatment for a winning smile!
About the Author
Dr. Shauna Soltani earned her dental doctorate from the University of Colorado. She is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. One of the topics where she has pursued continuing education to expand her knowledge is Invisalign. If you are interested in clear aligners, she can help you correct crowded teeth, gapped teeth, or bite alignment. Schedule a consultation on her website or call (720) 608-7770.
