If you’re a daily coffee drinker, you’re definitely not alone, and you’re not the only one who feels a bit unsure about starting Invisalign.
At City Orthodontics, we see plenty of patients who ask: Can I drink coffee with Invisalign?
Then, they hesitate because they can’t bear the thought of giving up their favorite morning latte or iced Americano.
So, can you drink coffee with Invisalign?
The quick answer is no, and… yes? (We’ll get to that later)
In this guide, we’ll explain why, share some alternatives, and give you tips so you can keep your smile while enjoying your daily coffee.
Drinking Coffee with Invisalign
Drinking coffee while wearing your aligners isn’t the best idea.
Keep in mind that clear aligners like Invisalign are these transparent, removable trays designed to help straighten your teeth.
They’re a discreet alternative to braces and are custom-made to gradually shift your teeth over time.
And yes, Invisalign is made from a specific type of plastic.
The problem with hot drinks like coffee is that they can warp the plastic, messing with the fit and effectiveness of your aligners. (The same as smoking and drinking alcohol, which you should avoid)
But don’t worry, you can totally enjoy your coffee during your Invisalign treatment.
Since the trays are removable, you can easily take them out and enjoy your favorite coffee without worrying about hurting your aligners or your smile.
Why You Shouldn’t Drink Coffee with Invisalign In
Clear aligners like Invisalign are made of special plastic and need to be worn for about 22 hours each day.
But they don’t do well with hot, acidic, or sugary drinks, especially coffee.
Here’s why:
1. Staining
Coffee can stain your aligners just like it does your teeth (no matter if you clean them with crystals)
Since the trays are clear, stains can make them look yellow or cloudy.
2. Heat Damage
Burning hot coffee can warp your aligners.
If they lose their shape, they won’t fit right, and that could slow down your treatment.
On the other hand, you’ll need new aligners and the final price will increase.
(Make sure to take a look at the cost of Invisalign aligners)
3. Sugar & acid
If you add milk or sugar to your coffee, it can lead to plaque buildup under the trays.
This might cause bad breath and even lead to cavities.
Our advice? Wear your Invisalign on clean teeth and stick to drinking water while you have them in.
What to Do If You Can’t Give Up Coffee?
As we say above, you can still drink coffee while in treatment, as long as you’re not wearing your aligners.
Many patients using Invisalign at our clinic love their daily coffee fix without messing up their treatment.
Just stick to this habit:
1. Always take your aligners out before sipping your coffee. Seriously, even a quick sip can leave a mark.
2. Rinse your mouth out right after you’re done. That’ll help get rid of any leftover bits and keep stains away.
3. If you can, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. If that’s not an option, at least give both your mouth and aligners a good rinse.
4. Try to time your coffee with meals. Since you already have to take your Invisalign out to eat, it makes sense to enjoy your coffee during breakfast or lunch to stick to the two-hour limit for keeping them out.
Can You Drink Iced Coffee with Invisalign?
When people ask, ‘Can I drink coffee with Invisalign? This is a question that usually follows.
So here’s the deal: iced coffee might feel cooler and less likely to mess with your aligners, but it still has the same staining effects and acidity as regular coffee.
So, the answer is still no.
Make sure to take your aligners out even for iced drinks.
This goes for cold brew, lattes, and iced cappuccinos, too.
What About Using a Straw?
Using a straw might seem like a decent fix, but it won’t completely get rid of the risks.
Coffee can still make its way to your teeth and aligners, especially if you’re sipping on it for a while.
It’s smarter to just take out your aligners when you’re having coffee, with or without a straw.
So, Can You Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
You can enjoy your coffee while wearing Invisalign, but you’ve got to pop out your aligners first.
Not really a question, more like a rule. This applies to teens and adults alike.
Just take out your trays, savor your coffee, and make sure to brush or rinse before putting them back in to keep everything on track with your treatment.
In Summary
At City Orthodontics we provide honest advice to every patient.
If coffee is part of your daily routine, you can still enjoy it with Invisalign, just plan ahead a bit.
Our orthodontists are here to help you set up a routine that keeps your aligners clean, your teeth healthy, and lets you sip your coffee without a worry.
If you’re in Ontario and thinking about getting Invisalign or have questions about your treatment, contact us.