“Can you drink coffee with Invisalign?” is one of the most common questions we get from the millions of coffee drinkers across the United States who wear Invisalign or other transparent plastic aligners.
Our coffee experts have a unique understanding of your struggle.
Invisalign and plastic braces are not cheap, and many people buy them for their aesthetic benefits.
They want to smile confidently without feeling hyperconscious of the mechanical-looking metal protrusions that come with traditional braces.
Invisalign is one of the most expensive dental procedures that you can get in America. Recent data from the Consumer Guide for Dentistry reveals that the average cost of Invisalign braces is somewhere between $3,000 to $5,000.
Drinking with Invisalign can be anxiety-inducing for people who don’t want to end up with yellowish teeth until their next tray replacement.
In this article, our dental and coffee experts will explain which hot beverages, like coffee, tea, and chocolate, can you drink without staining your Invisalign trays. We will also explain how often you should brush your teeth and drink water throughout the day to prevent the discoloration of your aligners.
Can You Drink Coffee with Invisalign Trays Still on Your Teeth?
The short answer is no. While manufacturers make Invisalign retainers with water-resistant thermoplastics, they’re still prone to staining from beverages with bold colors.
Most dentists advise patients to drink only tap or distilled water while wearing Invisalign trays.
Coffee contains tannins, which give it its dark color.
Clothing companies use highly concentrated versions of these tannins to create long-lasting prints on jeans, cotton shirts, and shoes. Tannins can stain teeth after continuous consumption, and they will yellow your Invisalign trays after only a few cups.
Orthodontists don’t recommend drinking anything with pigmentation, such as fruit juices and teas, or eating food while wearing Invisalign trays.
Food with cumin and turmeric will discolor your trays after one helping. Drinks like soda and coffee can seep under them and cause tooth decay if you don’t brush your teeth immediately.
Coffee is acidic. The acid in coffee can break down your enamel quickly which could cause discoloration to your Invisalign trays and teeth.
Other Risk Factors Apart from Discoloration
Tooth Decay
At The Coffee List, we know that even though coffee has one of the most complex, rich, and unique flavor profiles in the world. However, people are still fond of putting sugar and creamer to make a cup go down smoother.
Data from the Journal of Conservative Dentistry reveals that brewed coffee has antibacterial properties thanks to its tannins. Even though coffee can stain your teeth, it can save you from tooth decay as long as you rinse your mouth after a cup. Rinsing your mouth after drinking coffee is one of the best ways to prevent your teeth from staining.
Sugars, creamers, and milk could nullify coffee’s antibacterial effects. Millions of people love these extras in the United States, which made a 3-billion-dollar industry in 2020.
Tray Warping
Invisalign trays are plastic, so they have a sensitivity to high temperatures. Drinking piping hot beverages like coffee and tea is a quick way to damage and warp them.
Good News for People Who Love Coffee
You don’t have to give up your favorite caffeinated beverage while on an Invisalign program. Here are some tips from our experts that allow you to enjoy a hot cup without the risk of damage.
· Remove your trays before consuming anything that’s not water
· Drink your coffee iced or lukewarm so that you can put your braces back more quickly
· Eliminate sugars and creams from your hot beverages
· Brush your teeth after you finish
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Can you drink coffee with Invisalign? No, but our coffee experts can offer many creative workarounds. Subscribe to The Coffee List newsletter today and enjoy your hot beverage the right way.