Can I Still Drink Coffee with Invisalign?

If you rely on that morning cup of java to jumpstart your day, you may be concerned that your Invisalign treatment could get in the way of this. The good news is that with aligners, you don’t have any dietary restrictions like you would with traditional braces, but you still do need to enjoy food and drinks a little differently during treatment. Here’s how you can still drink that coffee (or anything else) without affecting your orthodontic progress!

Drinking Coffee with Aligners

When it comes to eating or drinking while wearing Invisalign aligners, it’s important to remember that you must remove them each time you eat or drink anything but water, and any water should be cold or room temperature. Hot water can melt or warp your aligners, so be careful to keep it cool.

The other rule you must remember with Invisalign is that for your treatment to work, you need to wear your aligners at least 22 hours each day. This means that you must fit your meals and non-water beverages into that two-hour window, and that time must also include cleaning mouth before putting your aligners back on. In fact, even if you only have a cup of coffee, you still need to brush your teeth.

How to Divide Aligner-Free Time

If you are concerned about how much time to allocate for meals and hygiene, try this rule of thumb or something similar:

• 15 minutes for breakfast
• 15 minutes for snacks
• 30 minutes for lunch
• 60 minutes for dinner

Each of these breaks must include oral hygiene care, however you can always add or take away time from each if this schedule doesn’t work for you, such as if you need more time for your coffee break and less time for dinner.

Remember, removing your aligners for meals and drinks (but wearing them at least 22 hours each day) is the best way to ensure that your aligners stay safe and that your treatment completes on schedule. If you have any difficulties managing your time, there are apps available for most smartphones that can help you better divide your day.

To learn more about how to make life easier with Invisalign, speak to your dentist today!

About Dr. Condie

When it comes to Invisalign, Dr. Shandie Condie is truly an expert. In fact, she’s a Silver Level Invisalign provider who still takes several hours of continuing education every year.  If you have any questions about this innovative treatment, she’s definitely the right woman to ask.

If you’d like to know more about whether your smile is a good fit for Invisalign, schedule a consultation with Dr. Condie at Desert Springs Dental today by visiting our website or calling us at 480-279-3100.