Coffee Lovers & Aligners: How to Avoid Stains & Damage

Because your smile goals shouldn’t mean giving up your morning brew ☕ 

Let’s face it—coffee is more than just a drink. For many of us in the UK, it’s a morning ritual, a cosy pick-me-up, and sometimes, an absolute lifesaver. But if you’re on an aligner journey, you’ve probably been told to steer clear of sipping with them in. So, what’s a coffee lover to do?

Don’t worry—you don’t have to ditch your flat whites or caramel lattes just yet. With a few smart habits, you can enjoy your coffee and keep your aligners crystal clear (and damage-free). Here’s how:

Why Coffee & Aligners Don’t Mix

Coffee is a triple threat when it comes to aligners:

Staining: That rich brown colour can stain clear aligners just like it can stain teeth—only it’s a lot more obvious on something meant to be invisible.
Heat Damage: Hot drinks can warp aligners, making them less effective (and uncomfortable).
Sugar & Acid Exposure: If your drink contains milk, sugar, or syrups, it can create a sugary bath around your teeth, leading to decay—especially if trapped under aligners.

 Your Coffee-Friendly Aligner Game Plan

1. Remove Before You Sip

The golden rule: never drink hot coffee with your aligners in. Take them out first to avoid both warping and staining.

Pro tip: Keep your aligner case with you at all times. No more wrapping them in napkins (that’s a fast track to losing them in the bin!).

2. Drink, Then Rinse

After your coffee, rinse your mouth with water before popping your aligners back in. Even better? Brush your teeth first if you can.

No toothbrush? Swishing with water is better than nothing—it helps clear out sugars and acids.

3. Cut Down on Sipping Time

Try not to sip coffee slowly throughout the morning. The longer you stretch it out, the longer your aligners are out—and that could eat into your wear time.

Instead, enjoy your coffee in one sitting, then brush, rinse, and pop those aligners back in.

4. Consider a Straw

If you must have your iced coffee or lukewarm brew with aligners in (though it’s not ideal), using a straw can help limit contact with your aligners and teeth. Still, best practice is to remove them first.

5. Stay on Top of Cleaning

Make it a habit to clean your aligners at least once a day with clear, non-coloured aligner cleaning crystals or tablets. This helps keep them fresh and clear, even if they’ve had a close call with coffee.

Bonus Tip for Hardcore Coffee Fans ☕

If you just can’t go without sipping all day, consider switching to lighter brews or cold brews—they’re often less acidic and less likely to stain. And always follow up with water.

Balancing Coffee & a Beautiful Smile

You don’t need to give up your favourite drinks to have the smile you want—just be mindful. With the right habits, you can still enjoy your coffee and stay on track with your aligner treatment.

And if you ever have questions or need a little extra help during your aligner journey, the Toothfairy app is always by your side. With digital dentist support, tracking, and reminders, it’s like having your own personal smile assistant in your pocket.

So go ahead, enjoy that cappuccino—but just don’t forget your case and rinse! ☕🦷✨