I am very interested in learning more information about Invisalign invisible braces. It sounds like patients just love them. I really am attracted to the fact that no one will know I’m wearing them. But here’s the thing. I am a heavy coffee drinker. I don’t think I can give it up. Will this defeat the purpose and stain the trays yellow or brown?

– Maria in Nevada

Maria,

Coffee does stain teeth and so naturally that is assumed that it will stain Invisalign aligners. You could quit! Just joking. You don’t have to quit to get a beautiful, straight smile.

But what you may not have realized is that you need to remove Invisalign trays whenever you are eating or drinking. Coffee that is hot will damage the aligners. It may also cause damage to your teeth below the aligner because the liquid could become trapped on your teeth, underneath the aligner. The coffee, sugar that is likely added, and high acidity of coffee just sitting on your teeth can cause increased decay. If for some reason you are in a situation where you cannot remove the aligners while having a cup of coffee, you could drink through a straw. Yet, there is still a possibility that it will stain the aligners and they will still end up being exposed to heat.

Ideally, coffee drinking should be limited or only drink it when you are not wearing your aligners. Also, it is a good habit to brush and floss right after a cup.  The safest way to keep your teeth healthy and Invisalign aligners looking their best is to remove them, enjoy your food or drink, clean your teeth, then pop them back in.