Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and countless people rely on it for a quick pick-me-up to get them started in the morning. However, this drink is rich in pigments and tannins that can leave unsightly stains on your teeth, and it can also cause distracting discoloration to form on your Invisalign clear aligners. Here’s a brief guide to how Invisalign works and how you can enjoy coffee during your orthodontic treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign discreetly straightens teeth using a customized sequence of clear aligners that are virtually invisible when worn. Each set of aligners is designed to fit snugly over the teeth so it can exert the pressure necessary to shift them into healthier positions. The next set will pick up where the previous one left off, and the patient will eventually be left with a gorgeously straight smile. However, patients must wear their aligners for at least twenty hours a day and take care to avoid exposing them to the pressures of chewing and the discoloring chemicals in foods and drinks.
How Can Coffee Cause Dental Stains?
Coffee is full of tannins and pigments that give it its robust color, but these compounds can become embedded in the dental enamel, which causes stains and discoloration. This is especially likely if the person enjoys coffee as their primary beverage instead of water, and the dark liquid can also leave unsightly stains on their Invisalign clear aligners. Aligner discoloration can be especially frustrating since one of the main advantages of Invisalign is that the appliances are supposed to be virtually invisible.
Can I Drink Coffee During Invisalign Treatment?
You can still enjoy coffee during Invisalign treatment if you drink it in moderation and take appropriate precautions. A few ways to keep your smile healthy and your treatment on track include:
- Brush and floss at least thirty minutes after drinking coffee before putting your aligners back in.
- Drink a tall glass of water along with your coffee to wash the dark liquid away from your teeth and keep your body hydrated enough for adequate saliva flow.
- Enjoy your coffee during meals so you won’t have to brush and floss more than necessary.
- Avoid putting sugar in your coffee, as this substance feeds harmful oral bacteria that cause stains and tooth decay.
Invisalign treatment doesn’t mean you have to give up coffee completely. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful during your orthodontic treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Lauri Barge earned her dental degree at Texas A&M College of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency at Olin E. Teague VA Hospital. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Denton County Dental Society. Her office in Flower Mound offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as Invisalign. To learn more about caring for your teeth during Invisalign treatment, contact her office online or dial (972) 539-3800.