If you’re one of the approximately 150 million adult Americans (about half the population!) who drink coffee, you may be wondering if you’ll still be able to drink that morning joe if you get Invisalign. But while savoring that warm java may look a bit different with aligners, it’s still possible with a few important modifications. Here’s how you can still enjoy your morning pick-me-up while straightening your smile!
Take Me Out
With Invisalign, there are no dietary restrictions whatsoever, as long as you take out your aligners first. This includes beverages like coffee or tea and any food you can imagine (If all you’re drinking is water, you can leave your them in). This is because if you don’t remove them to eat or to drink most beverages, it can cause a few problems, including:
- Damage to the aligners from the heat of your beverage or food
- Dirty buildup or discoloration on your aligners
- Food or drink caught between the teeth and aligners that could cause cavities
Brush Up
When you do choose to indulge in anything but water, it is also important to clean your teeth well before putting your aligners back on. Be sure to both brush and floss each time so that you’re not trapping food against your teeth while you’re wearing them.
Time Out
Another important thing to remember is that you must wear your aligners for 22 hours each day; this means that you should be conscientious about the time you have them off. If you normally sip your coffee slowly throughout your day, you should try to shorten this time to about 15 to 30 minutes, so you don’t spend all your aligner-free time on one cup of coffee. It may also help to have your coffee with a meal, so you are multitasking the time you have aligners off.
Remember, one of the major benefits of Invisalign is the flexibility you have over traditional braces. Your aligners can be easily removed for eating, drinking, and caring for your teeth, and treatment times are typically much faster, too, but you must follow the cleaning and aligner-free time guidelines to stay on track. To learn more about the many perks of straightening your smile with Invisalign, speak to your dentist today!
About Dr. Madhav
Dr. Anita Naik Madhav is proud to offer her patients versatile, convenient orthodontic options like Invisalign. Straightening your teeth with the help of aligners is a more comfortable, discreet way to achieve your smile goals without having to give up the foods and activities you love while you undergo treatment.
To learn more about Invisalign, please schedule an appointment at Preston Bend Dental by visiting our website or calling us at 972-618-1111.
