Invisalign clear aligners offer many advantages; they are discreet, convenient, and effective! Still, you might wonder how they will affect your daily routine. Specifically, you may be curious to learn if you can still drink coffee during your treatment. The answer is yes! What should you know about enjoying your daily cup of Joe while you are straightening your teeth with Invisalign? This blog post explains.
Do Not Drink Coffee While Wearing Your Aligners
Even though it is fine to drink coffee while you are an Invisalign patient, you should not do so while your aligners are actually in your mouth. There are a few reasons for this restriction:
- Coffee’s dark color could stain your aligners, causing them to turn brown or yellow.
- The coffee, along with any sugar or cream in it, might get trapped beneath your aligners and have an opportunity to harm your teeth.
- If your coffee is too hot, it might warp your aligners, which would cause them to lose their fit and their effectiveness.
Tips for Drinking Coffee During Invisalign Treatment
Here are some pointers on how you can keep drinking coffee without adversely affecting your Invisalign treatment:
Do Not Sip All Day
If you like to slowly sip on a big mug of coffee throughout the day, it would be wise to change your habits. Every time you take a sip, you will have to remove your aligners. Doing so could make it impossible for you to wear Invisalign for the required 20 – 22 hours each day. Try to have just one or two cups of coffee with your morning meal.
Pay Attention to Oral Hygiene
Once you finish your cup of coffee, take a few moments to clean your teeth and rinse your aligners. This can lower your risk of issues like bad breath and cavities. Keep a small oral hygiene kit with you so you can freshen up your smile even if you are drinking coffee on the go.
Cut Back on Sugar
There is nothing wrong with occasionally indulging in a sweet latte or decadent mocha. However, keep in mind that such beverages contain high amounts of sugar. Consuming them too often can increase the risk of sugar getting trapped against your teeth and causing decay. Black coffee or minimally sweetened coffee is best. Unsweetened or artificially sweetened creamers can also be a safe choice.
Getting Invisalign will not force you to give up coffee. However, you might need to change a few of your habits. Rest assured that your efforts to care well for your teeth and your aligners will be well worth it!
Meet the Practice
At Meriden Dental Group, we are proud to be able to offer a broad range of treatments to members of our community, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have questions about this service or how it might affect your daily routine, we would be pleased to speak with you during a personalized consultation. Get in touch with our team at 203-404-6800.