People who are undergoing Invisalign treatment to get a beautiful smile frequently question if they may consume coffee and other beverages while wearing their aligners.
We created a thorough guide for coffee lovers all around the world who are wearing Invisalign aligners because there are so many different patients and treatments.
Some of the answers may even surprise you, so read on to find out all you need to know to get that beautiful white smile.
Can you drink coffee while wearing Invisalign?
The short answer is no because you are only permitted to drink water while wearing your clear aligners. But there’s more to it than this simple concept, so we’ll go over all the specifics you might be curious about.
Drinking and eating while wearing your Invisalign is not permitted; however, there are no restrictions on your food and drink intake after you remove them. This is a positive thing because unlike traditional braces clear aligners can be removed.
However, given that Invisalign must be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day, this leaves only two hours for eating and drinking.
Is it worth it to remove your aligners every time you want to enjoy a cup of coffee?
Why Should You Avoid Drinking Coffee While Wearing Invisalign?
Clear aligners from Invisalign wrap snugly around your teeth and gently push them into the right position over time. This implies that any drink or food residue might create issues, which is one of the reasons why clear aligner users should avoid coffee.
The much-needed caffeinated beverage may harm your aligners in two ways:
- Staining – While black coffee is regarded to be healthful and stimulating, it may and will stain your teeth and aligners if you consume it while wearing Invisalign. Because the aligners are meant to be transparent and nearly invisible, staining them would have a negative impact on the whole process of wearing them.
- Warping – In addition to staining, there is a possibility of harm from the heat of the coffee. Because aligners are manufactured of high-quality yet heat-sensitive plastic to properly fit your teeth, drinking hot beverages might cause them to distort and lose form. Different pressure areas on your jaw and teeth will result from a change in form. This will undo all of your therapeutic efforts, and you will very certainly have to replace the trays entirely.
In addition to hot drinks causing harm to your aligners, consuming coffee with sugar and milk may result in tooth decay. Because sugar accumulates beneath the Invisalign, you will experience other dental issues in addition to discoloration.
This is why it is critical to remember that no food or liquids should be consumed while you are on this orthodontic treatment.
How can I drink coffee while undergoing Invisalign treatment?
You may be one of those people that requires an energy boost in the morning, and we totally understand. There are methods to enjoy your coffee without jeopardizing your Invisalign treatment; all it takes is a little forethought.
There are a few essential steps to keep in mind:
Remove your Invisalign aligners
Before drinking or eating anything other than water, remove your aligners. If you can, rinse them and place them in the Invisalign case for safety.
Drink your coffee
In the morning or during the day, have a cup of much-needed coffee. Remember that you must wear Invisalign for a total of 22 hours in order to achieve the optimum results, so don’t waste too much time on coffee. Rather than enjoying it for hours on end, take a 10- to 15-minute break with your favorite drink.
Wash your teeth
After you’ve finished your coffee and possibly even a little snack, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. This eliminates the possibility of coffee or sugar residue causing cavities and discoloration.
Put back the clear aligners
After brushing your teeth, give your Invisalign a brief rinse and put it back in.
FAQs
Can you drink coffee via a straw with Invisalign?
Drinking coffee while having aligners is a bad idea; however, if you are unable to remove them or just want to enjoy a cup of coffee or other drinks without taking them off, you can use a straw.
Although it is preferable to remove the trays entirely, drinking beverages using a straw decreases the amount of contact between your teeth and the coffee. This will help to prevent bacteria and plaque build up and warping, but make sure the coffee isn’t too hot and that you rinse your mouth and Invisalign as soon as possible.
What beverages can you consume with Invisalign?
You can drink anything you like while undergoing Invisalign treatment. You can drink alcohol, juice, sugary drinks, cocktails, and even red wine; however, it is suggested that you remove the braces before consuming any drink or food other than room temperature water.
If you do not want to remove the aligners, you should avoid hot liquids, which will harm the form of the clear braces, and drink as much clear water as possible. This will reduce the possibility of staining your teeth and clear aligners.
However, when you get the chance, be sure to clean your mouth and Invisalign to avoid more damage.
What if you drink coffee with your Invisalign in?
Some people may drink coffee or eat with their aligners still on since they are so comfy and undetectable that you may forget they are there.
If this occurs, remove the Invisalign trays as quickly as possible, clean your teeth and the aligners with toothpaste and a toothbrush, and put them back in. This is one of the reasons why many people who wear clear aligners choose to bring travel toothbrush and other items for oral health with them when they go.
Final Thoughts
Despite the fact that drinking with Invisalign is not suggested, coffee enthusiasts all around the world are figuring out how to include clear aligners into their everyday routines.
In the end, the cost of that beautiful, straight smile is worth it. So, make sure you follow your orthodontist’s recommendations and take proper care of your teeth and Invisalign.