Behold the power of coffee. It can warm you up or cool you down. It can be bitter, sweet, or mild. It can provide a necessary boost of energy or none at all, all the while giving you a little fiber and antioxidants too. But what happens to your daily cup of java when you start treatment with Invisalign? Will you have to forgo your joe? Here’s what you need to know about drinking coffee during treatment.
Can I Still Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
According to the National Coffee Association, a whopping 66 percent of American adults’ drink coffee every single day. That’s about 165 million people! In addition to tasting great, it provides a variety of benefits to those who indulge, many of which just wouldn’t be the same from alternative sources. Thus, it can be very hard to give up your daily cup.
With Invisalign, it’s important to remove your aligners each time you eat or drink anything other than water. This is because they can become damaged or discolored and could even allow food or beverages to become trapped against your teeth with no way to be rinsed away. This can increase your risk of cavities, tooth stains, and gum disease.
The good news is that your trays are easily removable, so you can eat, drink, and care for your teeth and gums without obstruction. This means yes, you can enjoy your daily cup of coffee without restriction!
Enjoying Coffee Responsibly
The key to drinking coffee (or any other beverage) with Invisalign is that you may have to do it a little bit differently than you’re used to. While many patients used to take time to truly savor their morning beverage, with the time restrictions from Invisalign, this may not work as well. You see, in order to stay on track with your treatment, you’ll need to wear your aligners 22 hours a day. You do get two hours off to eat and care for your teeth, but if you spend an hour of that enjoying a cup of coffee, that doesn’t leave you much time for the rest of your meals. Thus, if you do choose to indulge, here are a few pointers:
- Remove your aligners before drinking anything besides water.
- Drink your coffee or beverage quickly or alongside a meal so you can multitask and make the most of your aligner-free time.
- Be sure to brush your teeth when you’re done with your beverage and before you put your aligners back on.
Remember, Invisalign aligners are a faster, more convenient way to straighten your smile. With discreet, removable trays, this treatment allows you to eat a full diet with no restrictions, but it still may require a few alterations to how you enjoy your favorite foods and beverages. However, with a little creativity, you can continue to indulge in your daily coffee and get the smile you deserve at the same time!
About Dr. Henry
Dr. Tavi Henry earned his dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has since taken over 400 hours of continuing education on subjects ranging from sleep dentistry, cosmetic restorations, implant dentures, and orthodontics. He is also a proud certified Invisalign provider. To schedule an Invisalign consultation at Dedicated Dentistry, visit our website or call us today at 303-984-1400.