If you’re thinking of starting ClearCorrect® treatment to straighten your smile, you may be wondering how it will affect your everyday routine. In particular, you might be concerned about your daily coffee habits. Will you still be able to enjoy your daily cup of Joe even while you’re wearing clear aligners? Here’s what you need to know before the ClearCorrect® process so that you can plan ahead.
How Can Coffee Affect ClearCorrect®?
Here’s the good news: ClearCorrect® does not prevent you from drinking coffee. That being said, you will need to remove your clear aligners before enjoying the beverage in question. The only thing you should ever consume while the aligners are still in your mouth is water.
If you drink coffee while the aligners are still on your teeth, it could lead to the following consequences:
- The dark-colored coffee could stain your aligners, making them more noticeable.
- The heat from the coffee may warp the plastic aligners, causing them to no longer fit properly.
- If there’s any cream or sugar in your coffee, it could get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, thus increasing your chances of suffering from tooth decay.
How Should You Enjoy Coffee During ClearCorrect® Treatment?
Before you take a sip of coffee, be sure to take out your ClearCorrect® aligners. Remember to store them in their carrying case instead of leaving them on the table or wrapped in a napkin; you don’t want to forget them or throw them away on accident.
You need to keep your aligners in your mouth for 20 to 22 hours a day, so don’t spend too long sipping your coffee. It’s best to finish your cup in less than 30 minutes. Once you’re done with your drink, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly; this will help remove any traces of coffee from your smile so that they don’t get trapped by your aligners.
Finally, it may be worth considering cutting down the amount of cream and sugar you put in your coffee. This will help lower your risk for cavities that could potentially disrupt your ClearCorrect® treatment.
In short, you should be able to continue drinking coffee throughout the ClearCorrect® process. You just need to be diligent about taking the right precautions to protect your aligners. That way, you can continue to enjoy life to the fullest while you’re on the path toward a straighter, healthier smile!
About the Author
Dr. Ramona Rivera went to the NYU School of Dentistry. She holds membership with the California Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and many other organizations. She provides her patients in Fair Oaks with ClearCorrect® clear aligners to address crooked teeth and other orthodontic issues. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rivera at RnR Dentistry, visit her website or call (916) 967-2217.