CarolinasDentist Blog

Can You Drink Coffee With Invisalign?

coffee and Invisalign, Invisalign tips, aligner care, CarolinasDentist, North Carolina, Invisalign treatment

If you’re an Invisalign user and a coffee lover, you might be wondering: Can I still enjoy my daily coffee while wearing my aligners? The short answer? Yes—but with some precautions. Here at CarolinasDentist, we know how important it is to keep your smile (and aligners!) looking great, so let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy coffee without compromising your Invisalign treatment.

Why Coffee and Invisalign Don’t Always Mix

Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic, which is great for discreetly straightening your teeth, but not so great when it comes to withstanding heat, staining, or sugar. Here’s why coffee can be a bit of a problem for Invisalign wearers:

    Staining: Coffee is notorious for staining teeth—and it can also stain your aligners. Drinking coffee with your aligners on can lead to discoloration, making your clear aligners look yellowish or brown over time. Not exactly the “invisible” look you were going for!

    Heat Damage: Invisalign aligners are crafted from a special thermoplastic material designed to shift your teeth gradually. Drinking hot coffee with your aligners in can warp the plastic, which may affect the fit and effectiveness of your treatment.

    Trapping Sugar & Acids: If you drink coffee with milk or sugar, the sugary residue can get trapped between your aligners and teeth, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and cavities. Plus, coffee is naturally acidic, which can erode tooth enamel over time—especially when trapped under aligners.

How to Enjoy Coffee With Invisalign the Right Way

Good news: You don’t have to give up coffee altogether! By following a few simple steps, you can still enjoy your favorite brew while keeping your aligners (and teeth) in top shape.

    1. Remove Your Aligners Before Drinking

    This is the most important tip—always take your Invisalign aligners out before drinking coffee (or any other colored or hot beverage). This prevents staining, warping, and residue from building up on your aligners. Just remember to store your aligners in their case to keep them safe while you sip.

    2. Rinse and Brush Afterward

    After you’ve enjoyed your coffee, rinse your mouth with water and, if possible, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. This helps remove any coffee residue and keeps your teeth clean. If you can’t brush right away, at least swish with water to minimize staining and acid exposure.

    3. Limit Coffee Intake

    If you’re a frequent coffee drinker, consider cutting back while you’re wearing Invisalign. Limiting your coffee intake reduces the risk of tooth and aligner discoloration and keeps your treatment on track. Plus, it’s good for your overall oral health!

    4. Use a Straw

    When you can’t resist a coffee fix and don’t have time to remove your aligners, try drinking it through a straw (and let it cool a bit first). A straw helps reduce the contact between the coffee and your aligners, though it’s still best to remove them if possible.

    5. Switch to Clear or Less-Staining Drinks

    Another option is to try drinks that are less likely to stain your aligners, like herbal tea, white tea, or plain water. If you need a caffeine boost, these drinks are gentler on both your aligners and your teeth.

Invisalign Success Tips from CarolinasDentist

At CarolinasDentist, we want to make sure your Invisalign journey is as smooth and successful as possible. Along with avoiding coffee with aligners in, here are a few extra tips for getting the most out of your Invisalign treatment:

  • Wear Your Aligners for 20-22 Hours a Day: Removing your aligners for coffee or meals is fine, but don’t forget to wear them as directed to keep your treatment on track.

  • Clean Your Aligners Regularly: Rinse and gently brush your aligners daily to keep them clear and odor-free.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help rinse away bacteria and food particles, keeping your mouth fresh and reducing the risk of staining.

Coffee Lovers, Visit CarolinasDentist for Invisalign Advice!

If you’re navigating life with Invisalign and have questions about how to keep your aligners clean and effective, CarolinasDentist is here to help. With 13 convenient locations across North Carolina, our skilled team can provide guidance on Invisalign care and any other questions you have about your treatment. As a Diamond Plus Invisalign provider, we have the expertise and experience to ensure you get the best possible results from your Invisalign journey. Schedule a consultation with CarolinasDentist today, and let us help you achieve a straight, bright smile—without sacrificing your love for coffee!

Contact Us

Related Posts

Back To Top

gabrielle

Gabrielle Smallwood

Senior Regional Director

Gabrielle, a seasoned professional, began her journey with CarolinasDentist in 2015 as the Practice Manager for the Fayetteville location. Swiftly showcasing her passion for growth and effective leadership, she transformed her Fayetteville team into the largest and most profitable practice in the CarolinasDentist network, earning her a spot on the CarolinasDentist Leadership Team in 2018.

Her impact extended behind the scenes, where Gabrielle played a pivotal role in facilitating CarolinasDentist's partnership with Lightwave. Recognizing her contributions, she was promoted in 2020 to Regional Director of Operations for Lightwave and Integrator for CarolinasDentist. A firm believer in the EOS Operating Platform, Gabrielle exemplifies her commitment to streamlined operations which helped her earn her promotion to Senior Regional Director of Operations.

Originally from Western Pennsylvania, Gabrielle is a proud graduate of Slippery Rock University, holding a degree in Health Services Administration. She brings a wealth of leadership experience from multi-location medical and dental practices. Her dedication to continuous improvement is evident in her enthusiasm for professional development and executive coaching.

Now based in Raleigh, NC, with her husband Nathan, Gabrielle shares her home with her two furry companions, Teddy and Peach, who are likely familiar faces on her Teams calls. Outside work, she loves getting lost in books and finds joy in diving into DIY projects, effortlessly merging her love for stories with hands-on creativity. With a book in one hand and a toolbox in the other, she brings literature and craftsmanship together in her own unique way.

lourdes

Lourdes Sisk

Marketing Director

Lourdes's journey in the professional landscape has been a rich tapestry woven through multiple industries. With over 20 years of experience, she has honed her skills across different sectors, gaining invaluable insights that enrich her strategic approach to marketing. At the core of Lourdes's leadership style is her ability to blend creativity with analytical prowess. This versatility allows her to approach challenges with a holistic perspective, ensuring that every aspect of the business is considered in the pursuit of strategic goals. Customer satisfaction lies at the heart of Lourdes's philosophy. Her customer-centric approach permeates every aspect of the marketing strategies she crafts, ensuring that our efforts resonate with our audience and create lasting connections. Lourdes embodies an entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation and drives growth.

Beyond the boardroom, Lourdes is a music enthusiast who finds inspiration in the rhythm and melodies that surround her. Her love for music reflects her creative spirit and adds a unique dimension to her leadership style. Lourdes cherishes her role as a loving spouse and a pet parent to three fur babies. Her commitment to family values extends beyond the workplace, fostering a culture of care and compassion among the team.

Lourdes is far more than our Director of Marketing; she is a multifaceted leader whose journey, skills, and passions converge to create a unique and powerful force within our organization. Her customer-centric approach, entrepreneurial spirit, and love for both her work and personal life make her an inspiring leader, shaping the future of marketing at CarolinasDentist.

Lauren

Lauren Collins

Hygiene Director

In 2018, Lauren Collins, originally from sunny Santa Rosa, California, happily joined the CarolinasDentist team in Raeford after graduating with a dental hygiene degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Lauren's positive energy and dedication to oral health quickly propelled her into the role of Hygiene Lead for the Raeford office in 2019.

Riding on the wave of her infectious enthusiasm, Lauren went on to apply for and secure the position of Hygiene Director in 2021. In this role, she supports and mentors all hygienists across CarolinasDentist, creating a workplace filled with positivity and professional growth.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Lauren’s life is enriched by her love for animals. Currently sharing her home with two dogs and three cats, she exemplifies her caring nature not only in her career but also in her personal life. An outdoor enthusiast, she finds joy in kayaking and soaking up the beauty of nature. Lauren's lively personality shines in her social life, where laughter and shared references from The Office are always on the agenda.

Engaged to be married, Lauren cherishes the moments spent with her fiancé, laying the foundation for a future brimming with love and shared adventures. Lauren Collins symbolizes a fulfilling professional journey where her love for healthcare effortlessly merges with her love of caring for people. Her appreciation for life's simple and delightful moments adds a layer of joy to her overall career experience.

Sam

Sam Cernosek

Revenue Cycle Manager

Samantha Cernosek, a native Texan and proud alumna of Texas Tech University, moved to North Carolina in 2015. Her professional journey with CarolinasDentist began in May of 2016 and quickly led to a passion for the intricacies of dental insurance.

Her expertise lies in navigating the complexities of the dental revenue cycle, ensuring optimal financial performance for the practices. With an acute understanding of industry nuances, Samantha has implemented strategic financial solutions, enhancing revenue streams and contributing significantly to the practices’ growth and stability.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Samantha enjoys a variety of fitness activities, particularly cycling and self-defense with a focus on Krav Maga. In addition, she is an animal enthusiast, caring for three dogs of her own and actively contributing her time to volunteer at local rescues.

Paulina Franco

Area Manager

In 2017, Paulina Franco Gil earned her degree as Chemical Engineer from the University of Antioquia. The Colombian native who found her heart divided between the vibrant valley of Medellin, Colombia, and the rolling landscapes of North Carolina moved to the US in 2018, where she not only found a new home but also the love of her life. Paulina embarked on a journey of resilience and adaptability being a proud military wife.

Joining CarolinasDentist in 2021 as a Treatment Coordinator in the Raeford location, Paulina swiftly climbed the professional ladder. Within a year, she transitioned from Treatment Coordinator to Assistant Practice Manager and was promoted to Practice Manager. Another year unfolded, and the opportunity to serve as the Area Manager for the Sandhills region knocked on her door.

Paulina’s passion extends beyond the office walls. She thrives on helping others grow and achieve their goals. When she is not immersed in the world of dental management, she is fostering an active lifestyle. Paulina enjoys going to the gym and loves outdoor activities, whether it's soaking up the sun at the beach, conquering mountain trails on a bike, or skiing down snow-covered slopes during winter.

While Paulina’s heart is firmly rooted in Colombian traditions, her spirit embraces a global perspective. Traveling is her way of expanding horizons, and sampling international cuisine. Paulina lives by the philosophy that energy is neither created nor destroyed; it simply changes form. That means you!

Bonnie Heath

Bonnie Heath

Regional Director of Operations

Born in Missouri and raised near Baltimore, Maryland, Bonnie embarked on a journey that led to a fulfilling career in the dental field. Achieving an associate's degree from Carroll Community College laid the foundation for Bonnie's professional pursuits.

Initially entering the veterinary field, Bonnie transitioned to dentistry, drawn by a keen interest in dental hygiene and inspired by her mother, a seasoned dental assistant of over 25 years. However, upon entering the dental field, Bonnie discovered that her true passion lay not in the intricacies of a patient's mouth but in the gratification of helping patients and the joy of training and mentoring others.

In 2019, Bonnie joined CarolinasDentist, taking on the role of managing the Porters Neck location. As time progressed, Bonnie expanded her responsibilities to support the Wilmington and Triangle regions, showcasing leadership and dedication to the dental community.

Beyond the professional realm, she finds joy and balance in her personal life. She and her husband, Chase, have two dogs, who are more like children. Bonnie unwinds by playing beach volleyball, indulging in reading, and immersing herself in the world of music.

Samantha Roman

Samantha Roman

Area Manager

With over four years of specialized experience in dental administration, Samantha has cultivated a keen understanding of the intricate workings of dental practices. She is passionate about leveraging her skills to assist patients with their administrative needs. She strives to mentor others, allowing dental professionals to focus on delivering exceptional care. She is a Winston-Salem native and raises her family in the area. She is deeply rooted in her community and is committed to contributing positively to its well-being. In her leisure time, she loves attending baseball games with her husband and two sons.

Choose your location:      

Select Office To Make Payment To