If you’re among the four million people in the United States who wear dental braces (1), you may be wondering, “can you drink coffee with braces?“
The simple answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
My niece got braces recently and I remember when I had my traditional braces as a teenager. There were a few things I had to be careful about – like what foods to avoid so I didn’t damage my braces.
Coffee is one of those hot drinks that I enjoy daily, so I had to find a way to drink it without damaging my braces. In this article, I’ll share with you the dos and don’ts of drinking coffee with braces as well as some helpful tips.
Here’s what you need to know about drinking coffee with braces.
Coffee vs. Traditional Braces
The first thing to consider is the type of braces you have.
Traditional braces are made of metal brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth.
There is a wire that runs through the brackets and is tightened periodically by your orthodontist.
If you have traditional metal or ceramic braces, just like me years ago, you’ll need to be careful when drinking a dark-colored beverage like coffee, red wine, soda, and tea.
Dark beverages can stain both your teeth and the brackets on your traditional metal braces.
Coffee vs. Invisalign Trays
If you have Invisalign, you have a completely different set of concerns.
Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner that is virtually invisible. You wear them for 20-22 hours a day and they gradually move your teeth into the desired position.
Since Invisalign trays remain tight against your teeth, you need to be careful of hot beverages like hot coffee and tea.
The heat from the beverage can cause the plastic to warp which can affect the fit of your Invisalign tray.
It’s also important to note that coffee, tea, and other dark beverages can stain your Invisalign trays as well. Carbonated beverages like soda and sparkling water can also cause staining.
Tips for Drinking Coffee With Braces
Coffee stains are inevitable, but there are a few things you can do to minimize the staining.
Use a Straw
Drinking coffee through a straw can help to minimize staining. The coffee bypasses your teeth and goes straight to the back of your throat.
There are many good-quality reusable straws on the market. Invest in a good quality reusable straw or make your own DIY straw.
Rinse Your Mouth With Water
After you finish your strong coffee, rinse your mouth with warm water. This will help to remove any coffee residue from your teeth and braces. Be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after rinsing.
Use a Teeth Whitening Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment can help to remove coffee stains from your teeth. There are many good quality products on the market that can help to brighten your smile.
Ask your orthodontist for recommendations on the best teeth whitening products for braces.
Remove Your Clear Braces Before Drinking Coffee
If you’re worried about staining your braces, you can always remove them before drinking coffee. This is especially important if you have Invisalign aligners.
Be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly before putting your braces back in. You don’t want coffee residue trapped under your brackets.
FAQs
Can You Drink Coffee With Braces Through a Straw?
Drinking coffee through a straw can help to minimize staining on your braces. Dark beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can cause staining on both your teeth and your braces. Use a straw to bypass your teeth and help reduce staining.
How Often Can You Have Coffee With Braces?
You can have coffee with braces as often as you like, but be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly afterward. Coffee, tea, and other dark beverages can cause staining on your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking and brush your teeth to remove any coffee residue. You may also want to use a teeth whitening product to help keep your smile bright.
I Have Iced Tea Every Day Should I Be Worried About My Braces?
Iced tea is a dark beverage that can cause staining on your teeth and braces. If you enjoy iced tea, I recommend using a straw to help minimize staining. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking iced tea and brush your teeth thoroughly to remove any residue.
What Drinks Can I Have With Braces?
Whether you wear traditional braces or Invisalign, these drinks are safe to consume with braces:
- Water
- Milk
- Low sugar juices
- Smoothies
- Cream-based soups
Should I Brush My Braces After Drinking Coffee?
Yes, you should brush your braces after drinking coffee. This will help to remove any coffee residue from your teeth and braces. Ensure to brush your teeth thoroughly after rinsing.
Can You Drink Iced Coffee With Braces?
Yes, you can drink iced coffee with braces. However, just like hot coffee, iced coffee can cause staining on your teeth and braces. Use a straw to help minimize staining.
Which Food Is Best for Braces?
There are many good braces-friendly foods that you can eat. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Dairy products like soft cheese, pudding, and yogurt
- Fruits like bananas, kiwis, avocados, melons, oranges, and grapes
- Cooked vegetables like steamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and beans
- Grains like noodles, rice, and pasta
- Tender meat like cooked chicken and fish
- Eggs
- Low sugar desserts like jelly, ice cream, and ice lollies
Is Drinking Iced Coffee Bad for Your Teeth?
Although iced coffee stains your teeth less than hot coffee, especially if you drink it with a straw, it is still possible to stain your teeth.
To avoid staining, rinse your mouth with water after drinking iced coffee and brush your teeth thoroughly to remove the coffee from your mouth. You should also avoid adding sugar as this can lead to tooth decay.
Final Thoughts
Drinking coffee with braces is possible, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Be sure to use a straw, brush your teeth thoroughly, and rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee.
If you’re worried about staining your braces, you can always remove them before drinking coffee.
Do you have any tips for drinking coffee with braces? At Coffee Geek, we love to hear from our readers. Drop us a line in the comments below and let us know your thoughts.
Share your tips in the comments below!
References:
- How many people in the United States wear braces? by Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA)