Do you love having your morning cup of coffee? However, if you are using invisalign to straighten your teeth, then you should be careful with this particular beverage. The dark pigments could affect the clear dental device. Different strategies can help you consume this beverage without affecting your treatment outcomes.
Read this blog to learn how you can enjoy coffee without damaging your dental device.
Why Can Coffee Be Bad News For Invisalign?
Coffee is notorious for staining teeth. Invisalign trays can fall prey to this beverage. The clear plastic used to make this device can absorb pigments from coffee, leading to yellow or brown stains. This will automatically defeat the purpose of wearing this device.
Moreover, hot coffee can easily warp the device, affecting its fit and effectiveness. There are ways to enjoy your cup of coffee without damaging your teeth and device.
Smart Habits To Protect Your Invisalign While Enjoying Coffee
Here are some ways to protect your invisalign while sipping on coffee:
- To prevent staining, remove your aligners before having coffee and brush or rinse your mouth before putting the device back on.
- Your invisalign dentist in Thornton might advise you to allow your coffee to cool down a bit. Cooler drinks won’t deform the plastic trays.
- Consume the drink through a straw to avoid direct contact between the liquid and your aligners. It can minimize staining and protect your device.
- Swish around water in your mouth immediately after having coffee to wash away pigments and sugars that might get stuck between the device and your teeth.
- Clean your trays daily using recommended cleaning crystals or gentle soap and water. Avoid toothpaste as it can be abrasive and scratch the plastic.
Useful Tips From An Invisalign Dentist To
An invisalign dentist might stress the importance of discipline when it comes to your beverage choices. Here are some insider tips:
- Limit coffee intake as the lesser exposure to coffee can keep your teeth and aligner tray clean. Schedule coffee breaks around the time when you can remove your trays.
- Light roasts or coffee with milk tend to stain less than dark or black coffee. Moreover, milk can neutralize acidity to protect your enamel.
- Sugary lattes or flavored coffees can increase plaque buildup and tooth decay, complicating your dental treatment.
Make Your Coffee Ritual Invisalign-Friendly
The good news is that you don’t have to give up on your morning coffee to keep your invisalign treatment on track. Here are some ways to tweak your habit:
- Make it a ritual to remove your trays before your first sip.
- Carry a travel-friendly toothbrush and a small water bottle to rinse hands and clean your mouth on the go.
- You can experiment with iced coffee or cold brew to avoid heat-related damage.
- Use whitening toothpaste and regular dental check-ups to keep your teeth white and bright.
Balancing the love of coffee with invisalign care is about making smart choices and a bit of planning. Remove your aligners before drinking and rinse your mouth to keep your tray spotless. If you need more detailed advice, you can see an Invisalign dentist.
Are you ready to keep your treatment on track? Contact us today to learn more.