If you are dealing with crooked or misaligned teeth, wearing the traditional metal braces might not be the only way you can get that straight, picture-perfect smile you want. Invisalign clear aligners provide a more subtle and modern way to align your grin.
The clear aligners are custom-fitted trays that go over your teeth and slowly pull them into their most optimal position. Your orthodontist will decide on the best invisalign treatment plan for you and let you know exactly when and how long to wear these aligners—usually around 22 hours a day.
You should take out the invisalign aligners before you eat, and then clean your mouth before putting them back in. But what about drinks, like coffee?
Here’s What to Do If You’re a Coffee Drinker While on Invisalign
YYou should only leave your aligners in when you drink water. For coffee, tea, fruit juice, sodas, and other sugary drinks, it’s best to remove the aligners before consuming them.
And here are 3 key reasons why:
Preventing Tooth Decay – If you take your coffee with sugar or enjoy other sugary drinks, these liquids can get trapped between your teeth and your invisalign aligners. This increases the risk of plaque buildup, enamel erosion, and tooth decay;
Preventing Stains – Black coffee, dark roast coffee, and tea are well-known for stain the teeth. When you’re wearing Invisalign, these stains can also transfer to the trays, making your clear aligners more visible and less hygienic;
Heat Doesn’t Interact Well with the Aligners – Hot beverages, like hot coffee, can warp the shape of your trays. The plastic used in invisalign clear aligners is heat-sensitive and can become misshapen with exposure to heat, potentially compromising your invisalign treatment.
The best thing you can do to protect your smile and aligners is to remove them before you enjoy coffee or any other beverage besides water. Rinse or brush your teeth, then put your trays back in to stay on track with your treatment plan.
What If You Can’t Take Out Your Aligners?
Sometimes, removing your trays may not be practical—like during meetings or on the go. If you find yourself needing to drink coffee while wearing Invisalign, follow these tips:
Choose iced coffee over hot beverages, and let it cool to room temperature water levels to prevent heat damage.
Drink coffee while wearing your trays quickly—try to finish your beverage in under 10 minutes.
Rinse your mouth and clean the trays soon after. This will help keep your aligners clean and reduce the risk of staining or decay.
Avoid adding sugar or syrups to minimize exposure to sugary drinks while wearing Invisalign.
Managing Coffee Habits During Invisalign Treatment
If you’re a coffee lover, adjusting your routine during invisalign treatment doesn’t mean giving up your favorite drink. Moderation and mindful consumption are key. Limiting your coffee consumption to specific times when you can remove, rinse, and reinsert your aligners can help keep your treatment on track and your smile bright.
Make it a habit to keep your invisalign aligners clean by brushing or rinsing them regularly, especially after enjoying beverages. Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene while undergoing invisalign treatment supports your long-term dental health and helps avoid delays in your progress.
Interested in Invisalign? JAX Dental Studio Can Help
There are many ways to enhance the appearance of your smile and straighten your teeth, and Invisalign is just one of them. JAX Dental Studio can help you get the smile of your dreams with the treatment plan that suits you best.
Book a consultation with Dr. Charles Poblenz now to find out if Invisalign is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink hot coffee with my Invisalign trays in?
Drinking hot coffee while wearing Invisalign trays is not recommended. The heat can warp the plastic, causing the aligners to lose their shape and compromise your treatment. Additionally, the coffee’s flavor and sugars may get trapped between your teeth and trays, leading to plaque buildup and decay. Always remove your aligners before sipping hot beverages and clean your teeth afterward to maintain oral health and keep your treatment on track.
How can Invisalign wearers keep their aligners clean after drinking coffee?
To keep your Invisalign clean and odor-free, rinse your mouth and trays right after drinking coffee—especially if it’s cold brew or sweetened. Food particles and sugars can stick to the trays, promoting bacteria growth and an unpleasant odor. Brushing your aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and soaking them in Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner can also help. Clean aligners support better oral health and improve treatment outcomes.
Is cold brew safer for Invisalign than hot coffee?
Cold brew is a safer alternative for Invisalign wearers because it avoids the heat that can warp the plastic trays. Still, it’s best to remove your aligners before drinking it, especially if it contains sugar. After enjoying your cold brew, rinse your mouth and aligners to avoid staining and bacterial buildup. This habit helps preserve the coffee’s flavor experience while maintaining good oral health and effective aligner function.
What are the risks of not cleaning teeth before reinserting aligners?
If you don’t clean your teeth before putting aligners back in, food particles and sugars trapped inside can lead to tooth decay, gum irritation, and unpleasant odor. This is especially problematic for coffee drinkers. Brushing and flossing before reinserting aligners helps keep your teeth clean and supports your overall oral health. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference in achieving the best results from your Invisalign treatment.
Can frequent coffee intake delay Invisalign treatment?
Yes, frequent coffee intake can potentially delay your Invisalign treatment if you don’t remove your aligners during drinking or fail to clean properly afterward. Coffee can stain both your teeth and trays, and sugary additives may increase decay risk. Staying consistent with aligners regularly—ideally 22 hours a day—and maintaining great hygiene helps you stay on schedule. Be mindful of how coffee impacts your oral health and aligner wear time.
