These days, more and more people are turning toward Invisalign clear aligners to straighten their teeth and achieve a new level of confidence. These aligners have totally changed how people feel about orthodontic treatment, and they offer more convenience, more comfort, and often, faster treatment timelines. That said, one initial concern that many patients have about Invisalign is how it’ll influence their dietary habits. For example, is it still okay to drink coffee while undergoing treatment? In many cases, yes—as long as you keep a few things in mind. Here’s what you need to know.
Can Coffee Cause Problems for Invisalign Patients?
One crucial guideline that you should follow during your Invisalign treatment involves eating and drinking; simply put, you shouldn’t eat or drink anything at all while wearing your aligners, with clear water being the one exception. There are several reasons for this, but mainly, you don’t want to cause harm to your aligners. Biting and chewing create pressure that may break the aligners, not to mention, foods and drinks alike can stain their surfaces, and coffee is one of the biggest offenders.
Coffee contains tannins, which are naturally occurring compounds that contribute to flavor, but they’re also responsible for the dental staining that the drink commonly causes. Coffee also often contains very high amounts of sugar and acids, often due to cream, syrups, and other flavorful additives. This means that the drink rapidly raises the risk of issues like cavities and gum disease, which in turn can impact and slow down your Invisalign treatment.
It’s also worth mentioning that many people enjoy their coffee piping hot—and high temperatures might warp or disfigure your aligners, preventing them from fitting correctly!
Tips for Enjoying Coffee Throughout Invisalign Treatment
If you can’t imagine going several months or years without one of your favorite beverages, don’t fret; there are a few adjustments you can make. Keep these tips in mind:
- Try to drink your coffee quickly, within 15 minutes, rather than leisurely sipping it. This limits the amount of time your aligners aren’t being worn.
- As soon as you’ve finished your coffee, wait around 30 minutes before brushing your teeth; coffee is acidic, so brushing immediately after drinking it might weaken your tooth enamel.
- Always remove your aligners before taking that first sip of coffee, and store them in their carrying case while you aren’t wearing them.
- Aim to cut down on the amount of cream and sugar in your coffee; this reduces the number of opportunities for bacteria to cause cavities.
If you feel like it’s in your best interest to give up coffee entirely during your Invisalign treatment, that’s even better! However, this is by no means a requirement; as long as you understand how the beverage could potentially harm your Invisalign treatment and you take the right precautions, you can continue enjoying that daily cup of Joe while enhancing your smile.
About the Practice
Our team here at Complete Dental Care has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Kent, Maple Valley, and the surrounding areas for several years. We offer a wide range of services, including Invisalign clear aligners for patients who would like to straighten their teeth and address their bite issues. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our office to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (253) 854-2714.