During the morning, do you enjoy having a nice cup of coffee? It’s a routine that you might’ve been doing for a while, but this habit will need to change when you start Invisalign. After all, one of the first things you’ll be told is not to drink anything other than water with them! This doesn’t mean you can’t have your favorite brew anymore. Here’s why this beverage can cause trouble and ways to enjoy it safely.
What Can Coffee Do to My Invisalign Treatment?
As was mentioned above, a cardinal rule for Invisalign is that you don’t drink anything other than water when wearing your trays. Doing so can cause problems as the liquids can get trapped between the trays and your teeth.
Coffee is especially troublesome as it’s both acidic and sugary (depending on your add-ins). When it lingers against your enamel, it can erode this layer and increase your risk of oral health issues like decay. The dark particles in this beverage can also lead to stains, so you may start to feel self-conscious about your smile during your treatment.
Not only that, but if you enjoy a hot cup of joe, then the heat can be an issue as well. Your clear aligners are made from a thin plastic, so they can warp and change. This will make them ineffective and possibly unsafe!
Is There a Way I Can Get My Coffee Fix with Invisalign?
Although coffee and Invisalign may not get along too well, there are ways you can safely enjoy it during your treatment. These are some tips you should follow:
- Try to finish your drink in about 15 to 30 minutes. This will reduce how long you don’t have your trays in, so you can get the full 22-hour wear time.
- If you enjoy your coffee hot, then dial back the temperature so you don’t alter your aligners.
- Reduce any additives you put in, like sugar and cream, to reduce your odds of developing a cavity.
- Rinse your mouth with water after enjoying this beverage and brush your teeth 30 minutes afterward.
While coffee can be troublesome for clear aligners, they shouldn’t stop you from your favorite brew. By following these simple tips, you can make sure you get to enjoy it safely while avoiding problems for your treatment.
About the Practice
At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are happy to help the local communities get the straighter set of teeth they deserve with reliable options like Invisalign. With routine checkups, we can ensure you know how to avoid delays while you get to your results. If you want to correct your misalignment, schedule an appointment or call our Simpsonville office at (864) 962-6671.