Coffee. Glorious, life-giving coffee.
Buckle up, coffee crew, because this blog post is all about navigating the delicious—and sometimes tricky—relationship between drinking coffee with Invisalign.
It fuels our mornings, sparks our creativity, and warms our soul (sometimes literally, if you’re a double-shot espresso kind of friend).
But for those of us rocking the clear aligners game with Invisalign, a question arises: can we still enjoy our beloved brew without compromising our pearly whites?
Hi, my name is Sarah and I completed my Invisalign journey in 75 weeks!
This blog documents my own personal experience with wearing Invisalign aligners - all the ups and the downs.
This blog does not constitute medical advice, so speak to a dental professional about any specific concerns.
What happens if you drink coffee with your aligners in?
The heat from a hot cup of coffee can definitely warp your aligners, making them fit poorly and potentially delaying your treatment progress.
Your Invisalign trays can even MELT in hot water!
Plus, coffee’s staining powers are no secret, and those dark brown and yellow pigments in coffee can cling to your aligners, leaving them less-than-invisible.
Not to mention the trapped sugar and acids (especially if you add cream and sugar), which can create a breeding ground for bacteria and increase your risk of cavities.
Should you remove your Invisalign before drinking coffee?
Absolutely! Take them out, enjoy your cup (guilt-free!), then brush your teeth and rinse your aligners before popping them back in.
See also: Can you drink tea with Invisalign?
What if you accidentally drank some coffee with your aligners in?
No worries, mistakes happen!
Don’t panic!
First off, take a deep breath. We’ve all been there, and it’s not the end of the world—or your Invisalign journey.
So, you’ve accidentally had a coffee with your aligners in. Here’s how to handle the situation:
- Remove and Rinse: As soon as you realize the oversight, take out your aligners. Rinse them under lukewarm water—never hot, as this can warp the material further.
- Clean Your Aligners and Teeth: Brush your teeth thoroughly to remove any coffee residue and clean your aligners as recommended by your orthodontist. This often involves gently brushing them with a toothbrush and rinsing them in clean water or using specific cleaning crystals or tablets.
- Check for Damage: Inspect your aligners for any signs of warping or staining. If they appear to have been affected, contact your orthodontist for advice on whether they need to be replaced.
Can you clean coffee stains from Invisalign?
From personal experience, yes, it’s absolutely possible to clean tea stains from your Invisalign aligners. It’s common for drinks like tea and coffee to leave behind a bit of discoloration on your aligners.
To tackle the stains, I usually soak my aligners in denture cleaning solution.
Simply remove your aligners, rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water, and brop them in the cleaning solution for 5-15 minutes, then brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Conclusion: Can you drink coffee with Invisalign?
With a little planning and precaution, the answer is yes!
Enjoy your coffee, maintain your beautiful smile, and remember: remove, rinse, brush, repeat.
Happy caffeinated grinning!
Bonus tips:
- Opt for cold brew or iced coffee: Less heat, less risk of warping.
- Use a straw: Minimizes contact with your teeth and aligners.
- Drink quickly: The less time your coffee spends near your aligners, the better.
- Always rinse and brush after: Keep those pearly whites sparkling!
