You’re not alone if you enjoy indulging in at least one cup of coffee every day. In fact, sources estimate that approximately 66% of U.S. Americans, or about 170 million to 175 million people, regularly consume this beany beverage.
But if you’re straightening your smile with Invisalign, it’s only natural to wonder whether you can drink coffee with your clear trays inserted. If you’re eager for a caffeine boost but don’t want to harm your aligners, keep reading to learn whether it’s safe to drink coffee during your treatment!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Unlike traditional braces, which utilize metal brackets and wires, this alternative service relies on a series of transparent plastic aligners that fit snugly over your teeth to shift them to their ideal places. However, you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent potential relapse. Then, after about a week or two, you’ll be instructed to switch to the next pair in your series to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth.
Many patients complete treatment within 12 to 18+ months, which can be a shorter timeline than the 24+ months often required for standard orthodontics.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
Invisalign continues to gain popularity because the trays are generally considered more comfortable and discreet than braces. But if you drink coffee with them still in your mouth, you might quickly come to regret the decision.
This is because hot liquids, like your morning cup of joe, can warp the plastic material so your aligners no longer fit or function correctly. Not only that, but they can become stained if they’re exposed to common culprits known to cause discoloration, such as coffee, tea, tomatoes, berries, or wine. As a result, it’s typically recommended that patients remove their aligners when eating or drinking anything other than tepid water.
How Can I Maintain My Trays?
Thankfully, you can avoid damage and discoloration by taking a few simple steps to maintain your aligners, such as:
- Clean them consistently. Removing them both in the morning and at night, then thoroughly brushing all sides with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear dish soap, can remove plaque and other residue that make them look dark or cloudy.
- Rinse your mouth after meals. Rinsing your mouth after eating or drinking can help remove bacteria and stain particles before reinserting the clear trays.
- Store them safely when eating. You can avoid losing or hurting your trays by stowing them safely in their carrier case during meals.
- Soak them daily. You can also soak them in a solution of Invisalign cleaning crystals for 15 minutes daily, which helps remove buildup without harming the material.
If you have additional questions about dental hygiene during this treatment, contact your dentist to learn more!
About the Practice
Patients at Sage Dental Care benefit from two providers who are passionate about helping them build happy, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Branco and Dr. Kim share several decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including Invisalign, under one roof. Their caring approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver customized treatment plans to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. If you want to straighten your smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (775) 677-0790.