For many people, coffee is a must in their morning routine. A lot of folks even enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re using Smile Shapers clear aligners to straighten your teeth, you may wonder whether you can continue enjoying cup of joe.
You don’t necessarily have to give up coffee during clear-aligner treatment! However, you will need to make a few adjustments to protect your aligners and your teeth.
Remove Your Aligners Before Drinking Coffee
As a general rule, clear aligners should be removed before consuming anything other than water. Coffee can stain clear aligners, making them appear yellow or discolored. Hot beverages may also affect the shape of an aligner by warping it, potentially interfering with its fit.
Before drinking coffee, take your Smile Shapers out and place them somewhere clean and safe. Once you’re finished, clean your teeth or at least rinse your mouth with water before putting your aligners back in.
What About Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee may seem like a safer alternative because it isn’t hot, but it can still create problems. Coffee contains compounds that can contribute to staining, and adding sugar, flavored syrups, or cream can leave carbohydrates on your teeth.
Drinking sugary or sweetened coffee frequently can increase your risk of tooth decay, particularly if you don’t clean your teeth afterward. Removing your aligners before drinking gives you an opportunity to rinse and clean your mouth before continuing treatment.
Don’t Forget Your Daily Wear Time
One potential challenge of taking your aligners out for coffee is maintaining your recommended daily wear time of 20 to 22 hours. Removing them for extended periods can make it harder to stay on track with your treatment plan.
Consider drinking your coffee within a reasonable timeframe rather than slowly sipping it throughout the morning. Afterward, rinse your mouth, clean your aligners according to your dentist’s instructions, and put them back in.
Keep Your Smile Shapers Clean
Regular aligner care is important throughout treatment. Follow the cleaning instructions provided by your dental professional and avoid using hot water, which could potentially distort the aligners.
If you’re unsure about your specific Smile Shapers treatment instructions, ask your orthodontist!
You don’t necessarily have to say goodbye to your morning coffee while straightening your teeth. The key is to remove your Smile Shapers before drinking coffee, maintain good oral hygiene, and get your aligners back in promptly.
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Hickey is a South Bend, IN native who’s served his community at Granger Dental Group for more than a decade now. He’s a graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry and completed a one-year residency to improve his knowledge in orthodontics. These days, Dr. Hickey’s focus is on clear aligner therapy because of its image-friendly treatment for his patients. He and his team would be honored to serve you on your journey to a straighter smile with Sure Smile aligners. Contact us online for more information or by phone at our Granger office at (574) 277-4235.