Are you thinking about getting Invisalign to straighten your teeth? You might be wondering if you can still enjoy your morning coffee or afternoon tea. At Southern Maine Orthodontics in Scarborough and Gorham ME, we hear this question all the time!
The good news is you can absolutely still enjoy your favorite hot drinks during your Invisalign treatment. But there are some simple rules to follow for the best results with your new smile journey. Keep reading this blog from Dr. Murphy to learn more.
The Truth About Coffee, Tea, and Your Aligners
Let’s be honest – we all need our daily caffeine! Whether it’s that first cup of coffee that gets you out of bed or the comforting tea that helps you unwind, these drinks are part of our daily routines.
When it comes to Invisalign, you can still enjoy these drinks, but with a small change to your habits. Hot drinks can actually warp your clear aligners, changing their shape so they don’t work properly. Dark drinks like coffee and tea can also stain your aligners, making them more noticeable – which defeats the purpose of choosing “invisible” braces!
The solution is simple: just remove your aligners before drinking anything except cold or room temperature water. This small step will keep your aligners clear and effective throughout your treatment.
Easy Tips for Coffee and Tea Lovers with Invisalign
Follow these simple tips to protect your investment while still enjoying your favorite drinks:
Take out your aligners before drinking coffee or tea. This is the most important rule!
Rinse your mouth with water after enjoying your drink. This helps wash away any dark colors that might stain your teeth when you put your aligners back in.
Brush and floss before putting your aligners back in. This keeps your teeth clean and prevents staining.
If you’re in a hurry, try using a straw. This can help the liquid bypass your teeth, reducing staining (though remember, hot drinks can still warp your aligners even with a straw).
Cool down your drinks before putting aligners back in. Even after removing your aligners for hot drinks, make sure your mouth isn’t too warm when you replace them.
How Long Should You Wear Your Aligners Each Day?
For the best and fastest results, wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours every day. That gives you 2-4 hours total for all your eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
The more consistently you wear your aligners, the more effective they’ll be at straightening your teeth. Staying on track means you’ll see your beautiful new smile right on schedule!
Why Choose Southern Maine Orthodontics for Your Invisalign Treatment?
At Southern Maine Orthodontics in Scarborough and Gorham ME, our team understands that small daily pleasures like coffee and tea matter. We won’t ask you to give up the things you love during your treatment. Instead, we’ll show you how to enjoy them while still getting amazing results.
Our experienced doctors and friendly staff will guide you through every step of your Invisalign journey. We use the latest technology to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.
Don’t let worries about giving up your favorite drinks stop you from getting the smile you deserve! Visit us to learn how Invisalign can work with your life, not against it.
Your perfect smile is waiting, and yes—you can still enjoy your coffee along the way!