Iced coffee has become a popular go-to beverage in recent years, especially for those with a sweet tooth. With a range of flavours and an energizing kick, it’s no wonder it’s so sought after. However, for those with Invisalign, it can be a different story. While sipping iced coffee can be a satisfying refreshment, the question remains—is drinking iced coffee through a straw with Invisalign a safe option?
When it comes to Invisalign, the general rule is not to indulge in drinks that are too hot or too cold. This is because the extreme temperatures can actually cause pain and discomfort to teeth that are already sensitive to movement, and with Invisalign, your teeth are constantly moving. That’s why it’s important to avoid ice and hot drinks when wearing Invisalign.
But what about using a straw? According to Dr. Christopher Chang of Robertson Dental in Virginia, straws are not the best option when it comes to drinking iced coffee while wearing Invisalign. He suggests that while using a straw can avoid contact between the iced coffee and your teeth, it still has an effect on your alignment. This is because the muscles in your mouth are still working as if you were drinking directly from the cup.
The good news is that not all is lost. You can still enjoy your favourite iced coffee—just not through a straw. Instead, you should allow a few minutes for the beverage to cool down before drinking it, and take your time enjoying the drink. This way, you’re giving your mouth the chance to adapt to the temperature changes, so you can reap the rewards of your favourite beverage without damaging your teeth.
Of course, it’s also important to be mindful of what you’re putting into your body. Sip your beverage responsibly and opt for dairy-free and sugar-free versions when possible. This way, you’ll avoid the risks of consuming too much sugar or dairy, which can lead to cavities and other dental issues.
The key takeaway from this is that straws and iced coffee don’t mix. If you want to enjoy your iced coffee and keep your teeth healthy, add some extra time for your drink to cool down, drink slowly, and choose your ingredients responsibly.
Chilling the Coffee
Chilling the coffee is an important step to ensure the temperature isn’t too extreme for your teeth with Invisalign. Cooling down will also help to preserve the flavour profile of the drink, while avoiding the discomfort that comes with hot beverages. For an even faster cool down, split up the coffee into smaller glasses and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes. This way, you can ensure that the beverage is comfortable and safe to consume.
Alternative Drinks
If you’re looking for an alternative to iced coffee with Invisalign, there are several options to choose from. Teas, such as green and nettle teas, are non-acidic casual drinks that can be enjoyed iced or warm. Simply steep a tea bag or two in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes and then allow the tea to cool down in the refrigerator for an additional 10-15 minutes, and voila!
For those of us who prefer a fruity and sweet taste, smoothies are an excellent option. Smoothies are not just a nutritious snack, but they don’t need to be sipped through a straw, which makes them the perfect choice if you’re wearing Invisalign. Try blending your favourite fruits and vegetables with a splash of almond or coconut milk, and you’re good to go.
Be Mindful of Sugar Intake
It’s important to remember that any type of cold beverage, including smoothies and teas, can contain added sugar. It’s best practice to always check the ingredient list before buying. Also, take into consideration that with pre-packaged drinks, the labeling can be deceptive. If a drink claims to be ‘natural’ or ‘diet’, it doesn’t always mean that it’s free of added sugars and sweeteners. Be mindful of the ingredients, and keep an eye out for those ending in -ose and -ol.
In addition to thinking about the ingredients, it is also important to check the calorie count of your drinks as well. You can reduce calories and added sugars by turning to alternatives, such as natural sweeteners or even leaving out the sweetener altogether.
Swap Out Sugary Syrups and Get Creative with Fresh Additions
Pouring syrups can turn a sweet-tooth’s favourite cold drink into a sugary mess. Instead, opt for natural and fresh alternatives to sweeten your beverage. Adding a sliced banana or strawberries to a tea or a smoothie is a great way to sweeten up a drink without the added sugar. If you’re looking for a luxurious taste, you can also add a splash of freshly-squeezed rosé grape juice or a dollop of cranberry purée. If you’re looking for something firmer to munch on, try adding cubes of pineapple, mango or honeydew.
Functional Ingredients
When it comes to iced coffee especially, functional ingredients such as MCT oil, protein powder, and collagen, can be added for an extra dose of protein, or for some added health benefits, such as better hair and skin quality. In addition to these great additions, there are even Iced Coffee Mixes that can enhance the flavour and health benefits of iced coffee. Ingredients like coconut sugar, maca root powder, and lemongrass all make for interesting and flavorful options.
Overall, the key to drinking iced coffee safely with Invisalign is to cool your drink, drink slowly, and be mindful of added ingredients. Swapping out sugary syrups and getting creative with fresh additions and nutritional add-ins can make iced coffee more enjoyable and beneficial than ever.
Dental Care
It goes without saying that if you are to enjoy iced coffee and other cold drinks with Invisalign, taking care of your teeth is a must. Regular brushing and flossing is an essential part of keeping your teeth healthy and clean. Taking care of your teeth and gums with Invisalign is a little bit different than with braces. Be sure to clean the aligners, brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and have professional cleanings every six months.
Creating Good Habits
Aside from dental care and the physical aspects of caring for your teeth, creating good habits and routines is essential. Finding the right products and making sure your teeth and gums are healthy are only part of the equation. Putting care into the types of drinks you drink and maintaining good habits will put you in the driver’s seat to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Bioactive Ingredients
Finally, considering drinking healthier beverages such as iced coffee that contain bioactive ingredients can help protect, strengthen and nourish your teeth and gums. Examples of such ingredients include aloe vera, yerba mate, and green tea extract, which are all known for their benefits, such as preventing cavity-causing bacteria, promoting remineralization, and reducing inflammation.
Drinking iced coffee with Invisalign can be tricky, but with a bit of creativity, you can still enjoy your favourite cold beverage without sacrificing your dental health. Cool down your drinks, be mindful of added sugar and ingredients, and take care of your gums and teeth with regular dentist visits.
