Now that you’ve started wearing your clear aligners, you’re well on your way to getting perfectly straight teeth like you always wanted! However, you also happen to love drinking coffee. Though you shouldn’t eat anything with your trays on, is it possible to drink a cup of joe instead? Read on to learn why you should avoid drinking coffee while wearing aligners and what to do when enjoying your favorite drink.
Why Avoid Coffee While Wearing Clear Aligners?
The only liquid you should drink while wearing clear aligners is tap or bottled water. You’ll want to avoid consuming any other beverages, especially dark ones like coffee, for several reasons:
- Stains/Discoloration: Any beverages (other than water) that come into contact with your aligners can easily stain them. Even clearer sodas like Sprite can still discolor your trays and gradually make them visible when you wear them. This will ruin the discreetness of your aligners while also increasing the chances of staining your teeth by getting the liquid stuck between the trays and your pearly whites.
- Warped trays: Most coffees are served nice and hot. Your clear aligners, however, are constructed of heat-sensitive “thermoplastics” which will warp at higher temperatures. Having a cup of joe with your trays can cause serious damage to them and hindering your treatment process.
- Increased risk of tooth decay: Coffee is already acidic aside from any cream and sugar additives. For this reason, drinking it while wearing aligners can trap it underneath, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Tips For Coffee Lovers With Clear Aligners
While it’s best not to drink coffee with your clear aligners on, it doesn’t mean you have to avoid it entirely. Start with minor changes in your habits, like taking your trays out and storing them before drinking your cup of joe. Before putting them back on, be sure to brush them and your teeth to clear away debris and food particles.
Additionally, you can decrease the amount of time you spend drinking your coffee. Since sipping it gradually can take an hour or longer, try finishing it in 15-30 minutes so you can wear your trays sooner. You should also consider reducing or eliminating cream and sugar to avoid cavities or bacteria growth on the trays.
So, if you’re a coffee lover, you can still find the time to drink it when not wearing your clear aligners. By keeping with your treatment process and practicing preventive care, you’ll be able to enjoy your straightened smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Christine D. Laster received her dental degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. She remains up-to-date on the newest techniques and technologies to provide outstanding and comprehensive dental treatments. She also offers the Laster Perfect Smiles clear aligner system to help you achieve the smile you deserve. If you want to know more about clear aligners, visit her website or call 919-787-0355.
