The first thing you may do when you wake up is get yourself a nice, hot cup of coffee. It’s just the thing you need to get ready for the day ahead. While it’s a routine you might’ve built, will it affect your Invisalign treatment? It may cause some trouble if you are about to start orthodontics, but you don’t have to fully stop this habit. Keep reading to learn how it can be and ways to get around it.
So, How Is Coffee Bad to Have While Wearing Invisalign?
A cardinal rule for clear aligners is that you mustn’t drink or eat anything other than water while you wear them. Having any other beverages, such as coffee, can affect your Invisalign by:
- Increasing your risk of cavities. A cup of joe is acidic and often sugary because of additives. Consuming it while wearing your trays can cause the liquid to be trapped between them and your teeth. If you don’t rinse it out, then you may be more likely to get a cavity the longer it sits.
- Staining your smile and Invisalign. Many people choose this treatment because it’s discreet. However, coffee and any other drink can cause discoloration over time when it lingers.
- Warping your aligners. They are made from thin plastic, so hot items can change their shape. This can make them not fit properly or even impact their effectiveness.
What Can I Do to Safely Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
Before you imagine needing to fully quit having your beloved brew, the good news is that you can still indulge in it! You may need to adjust your habits by following these easy tips:
- Take out your Invisalign when drinking anything other than water.
- Try to finish your coffee in 15 to 30 minutes. You need to wear your trays for 20 to 22 hours every day, so taking too long to have them can cause delays.
- Reduce the number of additives you put in, such as cream and sugar. This can help lower your risk of cavities in general.
- Rinse your mouth once you are done and then brush your teeth 30 minutes after. Doing this can help remove any leftover coffee particles.
You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you don’t have to give up this morning beverage. While you may have to follow the simple tips above, they are a great way to avoid any harm to your smile during your treatment. That way, you have a smooth process to a healthier bite.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Bollin earned his dental degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has since taken many advanced training courses focused on orthodontics. This has helped Dr. Bollin offer Invisalign to the Springdale community, allowing them to get straighter grins they love. If you are interested in this treatment, schedule an appointment or call his office at (479) 419-9991.