For both traditional braces and Invisalign, it would be best for you to avoid coffee during treatment. We realize that this may not be a reasonable option for some of you.
If you are an Invisalign wearer, this is what you need to know:
- Hot coffee and tea can warp the plastic of your Invisalign trays. As you know, Invisalign aligners are custom fit to the shape of your mouth. If they no longer tightly fit, you cannot get optimal orthodontic results.
- Coffee, tea, red wine, and soda can also stain your trays. These stains defeat the purpose of wearing Invisalign, which is nearly invisible to the naked eye.
- If you still want to drink coffee, tea, red wine, and soda, remove the trays before you drink. Remember to clean them before you pop them back in.
- Drinking iced coffee or iced tea out of a straw may reduce staining.
For those who wear traditional braces:
- Dark-colored beverage such as coffee, tea, red wine, and soda can stain the brackets and bands of your braces.
- They can also stain your teeth.
- If you still choose to drink coffee, tea, red wine, and soda, rinse with water or mouthwash afterwards.
- Drinking iced coffee or iced tea out of a straw may reduce staining.
Once we remove your braces, if you find staining exists from coffee or other beverages, you may want to try a professional whitening or at-home whitening treatment.
