A common question in the orthodontics community is whether or not you have to give up tea, coffee and other hot beverages or food items such as soup. The short answer to this question is no, you typically do not have to give up coffee, tea, or soup when you have braces. You do, however, need to make sure that you exercise proper care of your orthodontic appliance. Whether you have Invisalign, ceramic braces or traditional metal braces, there are things you can do to minimize the chances of damaging your braces and preventing tooth enamel staining.
Step up your oral hygiene game
If you’re going to choose to maintain your normal diet & routines, you’re going to have to alter the maintenance of your braces accordingly. For Invisalign wearers, you can get away with indulging in food & beverage items that are typically not recommended to be consumed while having braces. This is because you can conveniently remove your Invisalign clear aligners before your meals. Be sure to remove your trays before you consume anything hot as the heat from a hot tea or bowl of soup can warp the plastic, causing your aligners to not perform at their best. Brush before putting your trays back in and it’s as simple as that! For metal or ceramic braces, our orthodontic dentists recommend using a straw whenever possible. Don’t have access to a straw? Make sure you rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after consuming tea, coffee, red wine, or any other food or drink item that may leave your teeth prone to becoming stained. At the end of the day, the most successful orthodontic treatments are attributed to proper care & maintenance. Don’t forget to schedule your regular check in appointments to make sure everything is working according to the plan laid out by your orthodontist.
For a complete list of food and beverages you should avoid while you have braces, call the office of Orthodontic Specialists of While Plains today. Our knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you may have.
