Style and Appearance Impact
Coffee and other drinks containing tannins can leave discoloration on Invisalign® aligners. Tannins are found in dark substances like coffee, tea, red wine, or dark sauces. When tannins interact with the aligners, they have “the potential to stain the plastic and potentially leave a beige-coloured stain”, according to Dr. Jamie Sands, Dentist and Oral Surgeon.
For people wishing to protect their smile transformation, it’s important to stick to clear liquids when wearing an Invisalign® aligner. With the right precautions, an Invisalign® treatment can still provide the same confident, attractive smile. Patients should take extra care to avoid consuming any dark-coloured beverages while wearing their aligners.
Oral Health Effects
Consuming hot beverages while wearing Invisalign® aligners can lead to other types of damage beyond discoloration. Aligners become soft when exposed to hot temperatures, making them prone to distortion or warping.
Additionally, the caffeine in coffee can irritate the lining of the mouth. Dr. Jaimie Sands explains: “While the staging margins of Invisalign® trays are designed to eliminate physical trauma to the buccal mucosa, it’s really important to avoid hot liquids as caffeine can be a trigger for ulceration and trauma to the inside of the mouth.”
Since Invisalign® aligners are removable, it’s easy to take breaks in between coffee consumption. Before and after sipping coffee, take the time to remove the aligners and clean them with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Time and Treatment Impact
The National Institutes of Health stresses the importance of patience when undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment. Invisalign® aligners are no exception, and regular coffee consumption during treatment can slow down treatment progress.
Patients should be committed to wearing their aligners and maintaining good oral hygiene throughout the treatment process. That includes limiting coffee consumption and taking the extra steps to clean aligners after each use.
The University of Washington Study
In a 2020 study from the University of Washington, researchers placed thermoplastic Invisalign® aligners in coffee for seven minutes at 149 degrees Fahrenheit. Following the experiment, they found the aligners “retained the same shape they had before being immersed in the liquid.”
However, because coffee is a dark coloured liquid, the aligners “were observed to darken their surface colour….which was more apparent in the diastema region”. The thermoplastic material is heat and stain resistant, but it can still discolor over time.
Alternatives to Coffee
To ensure positive results from Invisalign®treatment, it’s best to stick to clear liquids and drink cold beverages. Choose from wide range of alternatives including water, sparkling water, or even iced tea, smoothies or juice.
Cleaning and Retainer Routine
Practising proper retainer and aligner care is very important for a successful Invisalign® treatment. Taking the extra steps to clean and properly store aligners can help maintain their original appearance and shape.
Using a toothbrush, toothpaste, and lukewarm water to gently brush away food residue while the aligners are still in the mouth. For a deeper cleaning, use denture cleaner or retainer cleaner and soak the aligners in a small container of the solution overnight.
Stress-free Wear and Adjustment Periods
To lessen the burden of Invisalign® treatment, use stress-free wear and adjustment periods. Before switching to the next set of aligners, give yourself time away from wearing aligners or choose days of the week to go without them.
This gives the teeth time to settle and adjust, and allows oral hygiene practices to be properly maintained. It also provides the mouth with extra breathing space, which can help reduce the intensity of soreness experienced during transitions to new aligners.
Pre-aligner Assessment for Coffee Drinkers
Patients should consider discussing their coffee habits with their dentist or doctor before starting treatment. Invisalign®provides 3D scans and movement simulations to analyze teeth layout and calculate the timeline of movements necessary to achieve the transformation.
Based on the individual’s goals and needs, a treatment timeline and plan of action can be tailored to the patient’s lifestyle. This can also assist in highlighting where additional steps and oral care may be necessary to maintain the health of the smile.
Before and After Photos
A simple before and after picture of the treatment can be incredibly helpful in motivating patients to stick to their Invisalign® treatment plan. With regular before and after photos, it’s easier to spot even the most minor changes in the beginning of the treatment process.
Being able to look back at the changes in smile transformation can help patients stick with the program, remain consistent and eventually reach the desired smile results. As the progress becomes more visible and noticeable, the patient can experience the satisfaction of achieving a beautiful smile.
Conclusion
Invisalign® aligners are a safe and accessible way to receive orthodontic treatment. Cutting back on coffee consumption can help maintain the aligner’s original shape and colour. Additionally, patients should consider pre-aligner assessments, stress-free wear and adjustment periods and taking before and after photos to fulfill their desired result.
