If you love your morning brew but just started Candid Pro, you might be a little cautious about how your fix will affect your aligners. Will it be okay to enjoy coffee, or will it damage or stain them? The short answer is that it’s perfectly fine to indulge, but you have to be smart about when and how you enjoy a cup of joe. If you’re waiting for this blog to spill the (coffee) beans, continue reading. You’ll learn how to keep your aligners intact and stain-free without disrupting your coffee routine.
Coffee and Clear Aligners Don’t Mix
Clear aligners like Candid Pro are made from specialized plastic designed to fit snugly over your teeth. Hot drinks like coffee can warp the plastic, affecting the way your aligners fit, and even disrupting your treatment progress.
But heat isn’t the only issue. Even if you get it iced, coffee is dark, acidic, and packed with stain-causing compounds called tannins. If you drink it with your aligners in, those pigments can get trapped underneath or even soak into the material. Over time, this can make your trays look yellow or dingy.
How to Have Your Coffee and Drink It Too
Don’t worry, all hope is not lost. As long as you follow a few simple rules and develop some solid habits, there’s no need to disrupt your morning joe. Here are a few guidelines to follow:
- Take Aligners Out Before You Sip: Always remove your trays before drinking hot coffee, even if it’s just a few sips.
- Stick to Scheduled Meal Breaks: Try to drink coffee during regular mealtimes to minimize how long your aligners are out each day.
- Rinse Before Re-Inserting: After you finish your drink, rinse your mouth with water (or better yet, brush) before popping your aligners back in.
- Limit Cream and Sugar: Sugary add-ins increase your risk of cavities, especially if coffee residue stays on your teeth under the trays.
Can you drink coffee with Candid Pro? Yes—as long as you take them out first and clean your mouth afterwards. It might seem a little excessive, but the results of your treatment will make every extra second you spend caring for your smile worth it. So, go ahead. Sip away responsibly!
About the Author
If you’re trying to achieve a straighter smile in Burien, Dr. Vincent Lam is a knowledgeable dentist who can help. He’s served the community with quality dental care for over a decade following his graduation from Temple University. Candid Pro Clear Aligners are one of many treatments he offers to give your smile the glow-up it deserves. Call (206) 242-4477 to schedule a Candid Pro consultation at Seahurst Smiles of Burien or visit our website to explore a full menu of services.