{"id":75206,"date":"2023-11-03T13:56:06","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T11:56:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.caffeinedude.com\/?p=75206"},"modified":"2023-11-03T13:56:06","modified_gmt":"2023-11-03T11:56:06","slug":"can-you-drink-coffee-invisalign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.caffeinedude.com\/can-you-drink-coffee-invisalign\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Drink Coffee Invisalign"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Style and Appearance Impact<\/h2>\n

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.
\nFor 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. <\/p>\n

Oral Health Effects<\/h2>\n

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.
\nAdditionally, 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.”
\nSince 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. <\/p>\n

Time and Treatment Impact<\/h2>\n

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.
\nPatients 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. <\/p>\n

The University of Washington Study<\/h2>\n

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.”
\nHowever, 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. <\/p>\n

Alternatives to Coffee<\/h2>\n