You’re seriously considering starting an Invisalign treatment, but you want to make sure you know what you’re signing up for. For example, will you have to put your coffee addiction on pause and go without the midnight oil until your teeth are straightened out?
Not necessarily! There is a way you can enjoy an Invisalign treatment without giving up on your favorite brew. Keep reading to find out how you can have the best of both worlds.
Remember to Remove Your Aligners
The most important thing you’ll have to do is remember to remove your clear aligners before taking a single sip. Direct contact with coffee can be a problem for Invisalign for a number of reasons. For example, hot coffee can melt your plastic trays and cause them to warp, and as a darkly colored drink, coffee can also permanently stain Invisalign.
Drink, Don’t Sip
In order to have a timely and successful Invisalign treatment, you’ll have to wear your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. This means if you normally sip your lattes leisurely, you’ll have to speed things up in order to have enough time for meals. Aim to finish your cup of joe in 15 to 30 minutes so you have plenty of wiggle room.
Consider Using a Straw
Even if you do remember to remove your aligners before enjoying your coffee, the dark liquid can stain your teeth. When you put your aligners back on, leftover pigments can get pressed up against the plastic and tarnish it. Drinking through a straw, however, can you avoid making direct coffee-to-enamel contact and mitigate staining.
Do Some Cleaning When You’re Done
Once you get to the bottom of your mug (or run out of coffee time, as the case may be), swish clear water around your mouth and rinse your trays. The swishing will also help prevent tarnishing, and the rinsing will wash bacteria off your aligners so it doesn’t get stuck to your teeth.
Coffee can be a grounding – and enjoyable! – part of your daily routine, and it’s understandable to want to hold on to the habit while wearing Invisalign. Fortunately, these clear aligners are designed with convenience in mind. With a bit of mindfulness, you can have your coffee and drink it too.
About the Practice
Dr. Travis Spillman and Dr. Jacquelyn Green both have over 20 years of experience in the field of dentistry. To enhance their patients’ experience and provide them with the best quality care, Dr. Spillman and Dr. Green keep up with the latest dental technologies, and are thrilled to offer Invisalign as an advanced orthodontic solution. If you’re interested in Invisalign or have further questions about maintaining your clear aligners, you can contact their office directly at 214-823-5253.