Can I Drink Coffee While Wearing My Invisalign

Are you a coffee lover looking to align your bite with Invisalign? If so, you might wonder whether you can still enjoy your delicious cappuccino during your Invisalign treatment. In this article, let’s discuss Invisalign treatment and the impacts of drinking coffee with Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner orthodontic treatment used to correct bite problems like improper tooth gaps and crookedness. Invisalign consists of clear or visually transparent and removable aligner trays that snugly fit over your teeth. They gently pressure the teeth, gradually shifting them to the desired location or direction. Every two weeks, you should wear a new pair of aligners. Each aligner moves the teeth closer to the desired position.

Orthodontist specialists recommend wearing the aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily for several weeks or months. Our dentist in Edison will also instruct you to remove the aligners when eating or drinking anything apart from cool and clear water. Eating or drinking with your Invisalign can cause them to break, get stained, or warp. It also increases your risk of oral problems like bad breath, tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and gum disease.

Should you drink coffee with Invisalign aligners?

The simple answer is no. You can’t drink coffee or any beverage besides water when wearing Invisalign. Why is this?

• Stains: Staining is the key concern when drinking coffee while wearing your Invisalign aligners. The dark pigments of coffee can cause your aligners and teeth to become stained or discolored.
• Sugar: Do you add sugar or sweetener to your coffee? If so, the sugar in the coffee can get trapped in your aligners and on your teeth. The sugar/sweetener results in bacteria growth and plaque buildup, which leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Heat: Most people like coffee when hot. Unfortunately, Invisalign trays contain thermoplastic, which can easily warp when exposed to heat. That’s how they fit on your teeth perfectly in the first place.

Other concerns when taking other beverages

• Acids: Most outdoor beverages like soda, alcohol, and energy drinks are highly acidic. These acids can erode the teeth, making them more susceptible to infections, fractures, sensitivity, and cavities, which can affect your Invisalign treatment.

Drinking Coffee during your Invisalign Treatment

If you’re a coffee lover interested in Invisalign, you don’t have to give up this drink entirely. There are ways you can still enjoy your favorite cup of morning coffee.

• Remove your aligners before drinking coffee. The best way to protect your aligners when eating or drinking coffee and other beverages is to remove them before consuming. Gently remove the Invisalign trays and place them safely in the case to prevent damage or loss. Then, have your coffee. Rinse or brush your teeth thoroughly and rinse the Invisalign trays before putting them back on.

  Be careful to drink your coffee as quickly as possible rather than over hours. Remember to wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily for the most effective results. Removing them longer or too often can delay their effectiveness and affect your treatment.

• Cut back on cream and sugar. Oral bacteria feed on the sugars and food that we eat. Limiting cream and sugar on your coffee can reduce the risk of cavities and gum infection during your Invisalign treatment.

Drinking coffee when wearing the Invisalign aligners

If, for some reason, you can’t remove your aligners when drinking coffee, keep in mind the following tips:

• Drink it when cool.
• Drink it quickly. It limits the amount of coffee that gets in contact with the aligners.
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after drinking coffee.
• Brush your aligners or teeth as soon as you get a chance.

Are you interested in Invisalign in Edison?

Ready to align your bite with Invisalign? Or do you have more questions about eating and drinking your favorite foods and beverages with your Invisalign trays? Visit our dental office in Edison or contact KK Dental Edison for more information.