When it comes to oral health, Invisalign plays a pivotal role. As a popular alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign straightens teeth without metal and wires. However, there is one major sticking point that many people have – can you drink coffee with Invisalign?
Numerous dental professionals and orthodontists have weighed in on this matter. According to International Journal of Orthodontics “[Invisalign] clear aligners are not sufficiently resistant to retain their mechanical properties following exposure to certain foods and drinks.”
Dr. Henry Moore, a consultant in Orthodontics, confirms that this is indeed the case. He recommends that clear aligner users avoid all food and drinks with strong colors, such as coffee and tea. These colorants tend to leave a film on the surface of the aligners, which can cause discoloration.
However, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost for coffee lovers. If you’re an Invisalign patient and would like to enjoy your morning cup of joe, then Dr. Moore recommends using an opaque mug. This will help conceal the colorant from staining the aligners.
Experts also recommend avoiding the decaf varieties as it still contains high amounts of acid which can cause damage to the aligners. The best approach is to either stick to clear drinks, or forgo Invisalign and opt for ceramic braces instead.
Ceramic braces are more aesthetically pleasing, as they are made of tooth-colored materials. And while they are just as efficient as metal braces, they don’t react the same to coffee and tea. So if you’re a caffeine addict and want to keep your teeth straightened, then ceramic braces may be a viable option.
Care and Maintenance of Invisalign
Whether you’re a coffee drinker or not, proper care and maintenance of your Invisalign trays is essential. Since they are not made of metal, you must ensure that you thoroughly clean your aligners. It is recommended that you lightly brush them after every meal. Also be sure to floss before putting your aligners back in and avoid eating and drinking anything except water while you are wearing them.
Dr. Nicolas Oikonomou, a leading oral surgeon and chief editor of Heads Up Dental, advises patients to soak their aligners in Efferdent or a similarly-made product. This will help to keep them free of bacteria, which can cause plaque buildup and bad breath. Dr. Oikonomou also suggests brushing your teeth prior to putting on your aligners to ensure that they stay their clearest.
Sticking to Your Treatment Plan
Aside from regularly cleaning and taking proper care of your aligners, it is important to stick to your treatment plan. Invisalign might be less intrusive than traditional braces, but you must still wear them for 22 – 23 hours per day to achieve the desired results.
This may seem daunting, however sticking to your treatment plan can make it easier. In addition to wearing your aligners, keep a close eye on your diet and eliminate any foods that won’t mix with your Invisalign trays.
Also try to keep yourself active, as exercise can work wonders for improving your oral health. Walking, jogging, swimming and yoga can help to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. And lastly, it is important to attend any scheduled check ups and cleaning sessions, to ensure that everything is progressing according to plan.
Travel Considerations when wearing Invisalign
Traveling with Invisalign can present some challenges. Since you are required to wear your aligners for 22-23 hours per day, it is important to plan ahead. If you decide to take a trip, be sure to pack all the necessary supplies for taking care of your teeth, as well as your aligners. This includes toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, Efferdent and a travel container for your aligners.
In addition, it is important to inform your dentist of your whereabouts. They may have to adjust your treatment plan accordingly. If you are leaving for longer than the allotted time for an aligner, your dentist may suggest that you switch to a new one for the duration of your trip. This can help to ensure that your treatment progresses as planned.
Cosmetic Considerations when wearing Invisalign
Finally, another factor to consider when wearing Invisalign is the cosmetic effects. Because they are not as noticeable as traditional braces, people often overlook their appearance. But aligners still need to be maintained in order to look their best.
The most important step is to check them regularly for discoloration or any potential damage, such as broken or cracked pieces. If you notice any of these, it is important to replace them. Invisalign utilizes a “Replacement Alignment” system, meaning that you get a new set of aligners about every four weeks as opposed to a year with traditional braces. This can help to ensure that your aligners always remain in the best condition, without any visible wear-and-tear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is still possible to drink coffee with Invisalign, as long as you take the necessary precautions. However, for the best results, and to avoid any potential damage, it is important to keep up on your treatment plan and maintain the cleanliness of your aligners. With that being said, clear aligners are an excellent way to straighten your teeth, while adding an extra layer of convenience that comes with less upkeep.
