Aligners are a great way to discreetly fix any unwanted gaps or crowding in your smile. Proper oral hygiene is essential for successful alignment so make sure you clean aligners as instructed by your orthodontist, keep an eye on their condition during the treatment process and maintain the right diet.
Are you a coffee lover? In this article you will discover the answer to the question “Can you drink coffee with aligners?” and learn the effects coffee may have on your clear aligners and oral health. Get tips on how to enjoy your coffee while protecting your smile.
What happens if you don’t remove your aligners before drinking coffee?
Drinking hot beverages like coffee can potentially cause harm to your aligners if you neglect to take them out beforehand.
Without removal, the aligners can become weak or distorted due to the drastic shift in temperature which could ultimately affect their ability to properly straighten teeth. Not only will this make your aligners less efficient by not being able to apply the same pressure, but it can also lead to further misalignment of the teeth, putting the treatment back multiple steps.
Also, as caffeine is a natural stain producer in itself, having it against the aligners for an extended amount of time would likely result in stubborn discoloration that may not be easily reversed no matter how much or how hard one tries to clean them.
Furthermore, failing to rinse the aligners with cool water after use will cause saliva to build up and encourage the growth of bacteria on the device.
An article with a contribution from Amanda Dexter (Health Professional) in dentaly.org stated that drinking coffee and other hot drinks whilst wearing aligners can damage the material that the aligners are made from and thus should be avoided.
See our article: Invisalign Yellow Teeth – How to Prevent Teeth Discoloration?
What to do if you are a Coffee Lover
For those who love coffee, there are some steps to follow to ensure your teeth stay healthy.
To begin with, if you wear aligners, make sure to remove them before drinking coffee as the heat may cause permanent warping. Additionally, be mindful of how long you spend sipping on your coffee – having a quick hit of caffeine helps to avoid staining the teeth and keeps your beverage from becoming too acidic. If you are wearing an aligner as part of a teeth straightening plan try to reduce your overall coffee intake for this period.
Finally, if you must have coffee (once you have removed your aligners) use a toothbrush and toothpaste afterward to properly clean away any left-over residue that can linger in the mouth after drinking coffee.
Following these simple tips can help ensure that enjoying your favorite drinks doesn’t have negative consequences for your teeth down the line.
What to do if you can’t remove your aligners before drinking?
As it is not always possible to remove your aligners before drinking, such as when you are out for the evening, there are a few things that you can do to help protect your teeth and aligners.
If you’re wearing an aligner while drinking sweet or creamy drinks, the sugary residue can stick to the aligner and cause it to become discolored. This discoloration not only looks unpleasant but can also lead to bacteria buildup and bad breath. To avoid this, it’s important to make sure you rinse your mouth with water after consuming any sugary or creamy beverages.
Using a straw when drinking with dental aligners is not recommended but if you are unable to remove the aligners beforehand it is a better option than not as it will lower the risk of damage that will be caused.
Related posts: Can You Eat with Clear Aligners? and Drinking with Aligners.
It is important to wait for drinks to cool down before drinking them. If you don’t, the hot temperature of the drink can warp the aligner, causing it to not fit as it should. This could lead to a longer period of treatment or even further dental work to correct any unforeseen issues. For these reasons, it’s best practice to let all drinks cool down before you partake or remove your aligners before drinking.
When consuming any liquid it is always advised to brush your teeth and aligner immediately afterward to remove any particles that may be stuck within your teeth that may increase the chances of erosion and staining of both teeth and aligner. There is also special mouthwash that can assist with this process.
When you have been issued with an aligner to help with teeth straightening you must look after them to preserve them and the process for as long as needed. Aligners that are looked after will last longer and help you to look good, too.
Invisible aligners are the best option for general appearance as they are invisible to others which makes wearers more confident about wearing them in public. They are also a very affordable option and offer very efficient results.
Here are reviews of the best invisible aligners available:
Byte Review – The top pick of the aligners has a lifetime guarantee and is the most affordable option. A free HyperBite and whitening kit is a bonus too.
NewSmile Review – Low cost and premium quality this product comes with a tooth whitening kit and retainer included. A no-deposit monthly payment plan is available too.
SmileDirectClub Review – This top-selling product has the best 3D scanning and comes with a lifetime guarantee. They also offer a free one-time replacement set should they be lost or broken.
Candid Review – This one is the most similar to Invisalign and offers a hybrid in-office care procedure. This product has lots of positive reviews.
ALIGNERCO – The cheapest option that also has a zero deposit monthly payment plan option. This product is available for as little as $945 on a seasonal discount program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drink Coffee with Straw with Aligners?
If you cannot remove your aligners you can use a straw to drink coffee but be sure to take small sips and wait for the liquid to cool down before swallowing to avoid scalding your mouth or warping your aligner.
What Happens if I Drink Coffee with Aligners?
If you are not careful and wear aligners whilst drinking coffee you can potentially warp the shape or erode the aligners. In addition to this, you are very likely to stain the aligners.
Should I take my Aligners out before Drinking?
It is best practice to remove aligners when consuming drinks other than plain water. Aligners can be damaged by alcohol, hot drinks, and sugary beverages, potentially leading to an alteration in your treatment plan’s trajectory.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
No, it is not recommended. Any hot or sugary drink can affect the fit and material of your Invisalign product.
