For coffee fanatics, having to give up your daily cup of joe is a big ask- even if it’s for a good reason. If you’ve been considering straightening your teeth with Invisalign but aren’t prepared to halt your favorite hot beverage, there’s good news. With Invisalign, you don’t have to give up coffee, tea, or any other foods or beverages. Here’s why!
Eating & Drinking with Invisalign
Coffee is famous for having a few incredible ‘perks.’ Not only does it taste delicious, both hot and cold, but it also can be totally transformed into a variety of different flavors, all the while waking you up and providing a little kick of energy. However, it also has some drawbacks, including “coffee breath” and of course, those notorious dark stains that linger on your teeth.
The good news is that with Invisalign, because you are required to remove your aligners as needed to eat and drink (you can leave them on if you’re only drinking water), there’s no need to worry about your coffee staining your trays (you’ll still have to brush your teeth before putting them back on, though).
This also means that because you take your trays out, you won’t have to abide by any dietary restrictions like you do with traditional braces, so not only can you enjoy your cup of joe, but you can still eat and drink everything else you’re used to, too!
How to Safely Drink Coffee with Invisalign
Although drinking coffee is totally allowed with Invisalign, you still may want to change how you approach it. If you’re the type to cradle your mug all morning and take slow sips over time, this can be tricky with Invisalign. Because you’re only allowed to have your trays off for two hours each day, nursing a cup of coffee can eat away at your aligner-free time, leaving you little opportunity to enjoy larger meals. Thus, if you do decide to indulge in some java, be sure to pay attention to how long it takes to finish it, so you don’t have to cut your lunch or dinner short.
Remember, with Invisalign there are none of the usual dietary restrictions that are so common with traditional braces. This means that enjoying a cup of coffee or any other food or beverage doesn’t have to stop because your treatment started. Although you may need to schedule your meals a bit differently, these temporary changes will pay off in the end when you have a white, bright, even smile to show for it!
About Dr. Henkin
Dr. Aliana Henkin earned her dental degree at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Since graduating, she has taken numerous advanced courses in topics like dental implants, endodontics, BOTOX and dermal fillers, and CEREC same day restorations. She is also a proud Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association. Additionally, she holds memberships in the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association. To schedule a consultation for Invisalign at Skyline Dental, visit our website or call us today at 732-638-0600.