How to keep aligners clean while drinking coffee?

Question

I have been told that drinking liquids other than water with the aligners in can cause staining of the trays and can lead to cavities. What if I take my aligners out to drink a cup of coffee, then brush my teeth and rinse with mouthwash immediately afterwards - will that be sufficient enough to avoid staining the aligners? Does this apply for any food or drinks, that as long as I brush and floss after eating or drinking I won't have to worry about staining the aligners?

Sean Mohtashami, DDS · Answer

Hello!
Yes, removing your trays to drink other liquids will prevent staining. Staining occurs when the tray remains in your mouth and drink colored liquids or foods. 
A little tip: Use hydrogen peroxide to clean your trays. It keeps them sparkling clean and has the added bonus of brightening your teeth too!
Good luck!

Supriya Verma, DMD, FAGD · Answer

Brushing after eating and drinking will help to minimize staining.  A few other tips can help as well.  When you drink coffee, take small sips and keep it on your tongue.  The less coffee that gets on your teeth, the less staining will occur.  You can also use a straw to help with this.  Drinking hot coffee may be difficult with a straw but iced coffee will be easier.  Using an electronic toothbrush can also help remove staining on a daily basis. Not all electronic toothbrushes are the same. I recommend the sonicare toothbrush.  Seeing your dentist twice a year for a cleaning will also help so that the staining can be removed periodically and does not build-up.  There is a special cleaning agent that the aligners can be placed in if you get a lot of build-up within the two weeks of using them.  However, if you are doing a good job of keeping the mouth clean then you may not need the cleaning agent for the aligners.  Hope this helps.  Good luck!

Doug Jopling, DDS · Answer

If you just drink 2-3 cups a day and you leave the aligners out, you should not get any staining of the aligners from the coffee.  If you drink coffee all day long and leave the aligners out, you will not be wearing them long enough each day and the success of the movement of your teeth will be in jeopardy.Doug Jopling, DDS

Emery Cole, DMD, FAGD · Answer

As long as you do not keep your aligners out for more than necessary.  Remember, 22+ hours per day wear is ideal.  Stain will not hurt the aligners and you will have a new one very soon!

Neal Nealis, DDS (retired) · Answer

More important than staining aligners with coffee is distorting them. If you consume anything hot while wearing aligners, they will lose their effect and not move your teeth. Taking them out to drink coffee and brushing before replacing them should be fine.

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