You might think of your slightly crooked teeth as a mere aesthetic frustration, but the truth is, if they overlap then you’re more vulnerable to oral issues like cavities and gum disease. This is because it’s harder to brush and floss when your pearly whites overlap, meaning plaque and bacteria are more likely to thrive.
Your dentist can straighten your smile with Invisalign, but you might have questions about what daily life is like with this treatment. For instance, many people want to know if it’s okay to drink coffee with their trays inserted. Continue reading to learn more about it!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Most experts consider this a clear alternative to the bulky metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. This treatment relies on transparent plastic trays that fit over your teeth to gently shift them to their ideal places over a designated period.
You must wear these aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from reverting to their previous places. Then, every week or two, your orthodontist will provide the next trays in your series to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth.
Are there Dietary Restrictions with Invisalign?
The plastic material is considered more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than braces, because it won’t irritate the tissues of your mouth, and it allows your natural smile to shine through. Not only that, but the trays are removable, meaning you don’t have to worry about avoiding certain foods that could harm them.
However, the material your aligners are made from isn’t intended to last more than a week or two, so they’re not overly durable. You must remove your trays before eating or drinking anything other than water, or you could damage them.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
If you rely on a cup of joe to get you awake and moving in the morning, you’re not alone. Many patients worry that they will be required to avoid it during their Invisalign treatment, but thankfully, that’s not usually the case. You can remove your trays to drink your coffee and have breakfast in the morning, then clean your mouth before inserting them again.
With that said, you should avoid sipping coffee or tea while wearing your trays because hot temperatures can warp the plastic, so it no longer fits. Your orthodontist can order a replacement tray relatively easily, but you might have to revert to wearing a previous set while you wait, which can potentially add a few weeks to your overall treatment timeline.
If you have additional questions about maintaining your Invisalign, your dentist can provide accurate answers that take your unique circumstances into account!
About the Practice
At Buckhead Orthodontics, you and your family benefit from two experts eager to help improve your life by enhancing your oral health. Drs. Michael and Cristina Everson are a husband-and-wife board-certified orthodontic team who collaborate to provide a full menu of services to straighten your smile regardless of your current dental condition. They take the time to get to know you and your unique concerns and goals, then tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs. If you’re interested in Invisalign, you can request a consultation on the website or call (404) 697-7497.