Coffee Lovers & Aligners: How to Avoid Stains & Damage

Smile goals shouldn’t require you to abandon your daily coffee routine ☕ 

The drink exists beyond being a beverage. The majority of British people use their coffee as a daily routine to create warmth and to function throughout the day. People who wear aligners have probably received instructions to abstain from drinking while their aligners are in. What choices remain for someone who enjoys coffee?

You don’t need to eliminate your flat whites or caramel lattes while undergoing aligner treatment. Smart habits enable you to maintain clear aligners along with enjoying your coffee beverages.

The combination of coffee with aligners presents three major problems.

The combination of coffee with aligners presents three major problems.

The three damaging factors about drinking coffee with aligners are:

• The dark brown color of coffee creates prominent stains on clear aligners which resemble the stains it leaves on teeth.
• Hot beverages have the power to deform aligners so they become ineffective while causing discomfort to the wearer.
• The combination of milk with sugar or syrups in drinks creates a sugary environment that fosters tooth decay especially when aligners trap liquids.

 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

Regular daily cleaning of aligners should be performed using clear non-coloured cleaning crystals or tablets. The maintenance of fresh and clear aligners becomes possible by daily use of these products even after they encounter coffee exposure.

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.

The Toothfairy app stands ready to assist you with any questions or additional help you might need during your aligner treatment. 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! ☕🦷✨