Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?

There is nothing quite like a hot cup of coffee to help you start your day. After the first few sips, the sun seems to shine brighter and the birds chirp louder. However, if you’re going to straighten your teeth with Invisalign in Owings Mills, will you need to give up your morning cup of joe? Keep reading to discover how coffee can affect clear braces and learn some tips for enjoying coffee during your Invisalign treatment.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that utilizes clear plastic aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, there are no unsightly metal brackets or wires involved. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, allowing patients to subtly correct crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth.

Why You Should Avoid Drinking Coffee While Wearing Invisalign

Tap water and bottled water are the only beverages that are safe to consume while wearing Invisalign trays. Here are a few reasons why you should avoid drinking coffee while wearing Invisalign in Owings Mills:

• Stains and Discoloration – Drinking coffee could lead to stains developing on your Invisalign trays, which would make them visible on your teeth. In addition, drops of coffee may become trapped between your Invisalign trays and your teeth and stain your enamel.
• Increased Risk of Decay – Coffee by itself is acidic, and many people add cream and sugar. If this acidic and sugary liquid becomes trapped between your Invisalign trays and your teeth, it can increase your risk of tooth decay.  
• Warped Trays – Invisalign aligners are made of heat-sensitive “thermoplastics.” Drinking a hot cup of coffee may warp and damage your aligners, which could then delay your overall treatment.

Tips for Coffee Lovers with Invisalign

The good news is that you don’t have to give up coffee entirely while undergoing Invisalign treatment. You just have to make a few minor adjustments. Here are some tips for coffee lovers to follow when wearing Invisalign trays:

• Remove your Invisalign trays before drinking coffee and put them safely in their carrying case.
• Drink your morning coffee quickly – ideally within 15 to 30 minutes. Removing your Invisalign trays to slowly sip coffee for an hour or two will only delay your treatment.
• Reduce or eliminate cream and sugar in your coffee to help reduce the risk of cavities.
• When you’re done drinking coffee, be sure to brush your teeth and rinse off your trays before putting them back in your mouth.

With these simple adjustments, you can continue to enjoy your morning cup of joe while straightening your smile! For more helpful tips, just ask your dentist “can I drink coffee with Invisalign in Owings Mills?”.

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner enjoys helping patients achieve the straight smiles of their dreams. The proud University of Maryland School of Dentistry graduate is a certified Invisalign provider and regularly creates personalized treatment plans to correct misaligned teeth. To learn more about the do’s and don’ts of Invisalign treatment, visit the Dolfield Dental website or call 410-902-4110.