Can I Still Drink Coffee During My Invisalign Process?

Are you a regular coffee drinker? Do you typically like to start your day off with a warm cup of joe? Although coffee can be a delicious way to feel energized in the morning, it may be problematic if you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment. The last thing you’d want is to set your process back due to sipping on a warm brew. Keep reading to learn why drinking coffee with Invisalign isn’t a good idea and how you can prevent any complications throughout your treatment!

Should I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?

Unlike more traditional orthodontics, like braces, your clear aligners will be completely removable. This means you won’t have to worry about any dietary restrictions during the process. As long as you take out your Invisalign trays before eating or drinking anything (except for pure water), you should be good to go. However, if you choose to drink coffee with your aligners on, you could end up at risk of the following problems:

• Warped trays: Invisalign trays are made out of heat-sensitive plastic. When in contact with warm or hot beverages, they can begin to warp out of shape and become ineffective at straightening your smile.
• Discoloration and staining: Dark-colored beverages like coffee are highly-pigmented. Since your clear aligners will be covering your teeth, the liquid can end up being trapped between them. Not only can this stain your pearly whites, but it’ll also discolor your trays and eliminate the discreetness of your process.
• Increased risk of decay: While it’s already acidic, many people like to add sugar and cream to their coffee. By allowing the combination of sugars and acids to accumulate between your smile and aligners, you can put yourself at risk of dental decay in the long run.

Ways to Reduce Any Risks of Drinking Coffee with Invisalign

While you shouldn’t drink coffee with your Invisalign trays on, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite beverage throughout your process. Here are several tips to minimize any complications when enjoying your cup of joe:

• Remove your trays: Always take off your aligners before meals and store them in a safe container to avoid damaging them.
• Drink coffee quickly: Don’t sip on your morning brew for hours, as this will prolong your treatment process and increase the risk of staining your teeth.
• Minimize or eliminate sugar and cream: This can significantly lower your chances of cavities or bacteria growth in your aligners.
• Clean your smile: Once you finish, rinse and brush your teeth and clear trays before wearing them again.

Although it isn’t a good idea to drink coffee with Invisalign, you can practice these few habits to reduce any risks during your treatment. Keep your teeth clean and visit your dentist regularly, and you should be able to enjoy a straighter smile in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Jason Aptaker received his dental doctorate from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He also regularly seeks continuing education to refine his skills and expertise. He provides a wide range of high-quality and comprehensive services, including Invisalign. If you’d like to know how to preserve your teeth during your orthodontic process, visit his website or call him at 732-223-9199.