Can I drink coffee with braces?

Love coffee but worried it might stain your braces — or damage your Invisalign trays? You’re not alone. At Whites Dental, many of our adult patients ask how to protect their smile without giving up their daily brew.

Here’s what you need to know about drinking coffee during orthodontic treatment — whether you wear Invisalign, metal braces, or ceramic braces.

Jump to:

• Can I drink coffee with braces?
• Can I drink coffee with Invisalign?
• What drinks should I avoid with braces?
• What are the best coffee alternatives during braces treatment?
• How to prevent coffee stains on teeth?
• Is it OK to drink coffee daily with braces?

Can I Drink Coffee With Braces?

Yes — but you’ll need to be more mindful of how you drink it. Coffee contains tannins that can stain your teeth (BUPA), brackets, and especially the clear elastics on ceramic braces. It’s also slightly acidic, which can weaken enamel over time — a bigger issue when your teeth are harder to clean with braces on.

You don’t have to give it up completely. But if you’re drinking multiple cups a day without rinsing or brushing after, it’s easy for staining to build up — and even leave marks when the brackets are removed.

Can I Drink Coffee With Invisalign?

Yes — but only if you remove your aligners first.

Coffee can:

• Stain your Invisalign trays, making them more visible
• Warp the plastic if it’s hot, affecting the fit
• Trap sugar or acid against your enamel if you sip with trays in

If you’re a coffee drinker wearing Invisalign:

• Always remove trays before drinking anything but water
• Rinse or brush your teeth before putting them back in
• Use a straw for iced coffee to reduce staining
• Try to keep tray-out time under 2 hours total per day

You don’t have to give up coffee entirely — just make sure your routine supports your treatment.

Our dentists in London often find that patients underestimate how easily hot coffee can warp Invisalign trays. Even one cup can affect the fit — so removing aligners is always the safest choice.

What Drinks Should I Avoid With Braces?

Alongside coffee, the biggest culprits are:

• Tea and red wine – also high in tannins and staining potential
• Cola and fizzy drinks – acidic and sugary
• Fruit juices and energy drinks – high in acid, which softens enamel

Milk, still water, and clear herbal teas are far better options for maintaining enamel health and avoiding stains.

What Are the Best Coffee Alternatives During Braces Treatment?

Coffee might be off-limits during certain parts of your braces journey — but you don’t have to give up your morning boost entirely. Here are some teeth-friendly, lower-staining options that still offer a caffeine kick:

• Herbal teas (like peppermint or chamomile) – caffeine-free and gentle on enamel
• Green tea or white tea – lower in tannins and acid than black coffee
• Decaf coffee – contains fewer staining compounds, especially with milk added
• Matcha – antioxidant-rich, milder on enamel (though still lightly staining)
• Iced coffee through a straw – if you’re going to have coffee, this is the safest way
• Caffeine tablets – not ideal for everyone, but avoids the staining issue entirely

Tip: Rinse with water or chew sugar-free gum after any of these to keep your enamel safe.

How Can I Prevent Coffee From Staining My Braces or Teeth?

Here are five practical ways to enjoy your brew without ruining your smile:

• Add milk: Milk lightens coffee and reduces its staining power. It also helps buffer acids.
• Use a straw: Especially with iced coffee — helps bypass your teeth and brackets.
• Rinse or brush after drinking: It’s best to rinse rather than brush immediately, as acids soften enamel. (UIC)
• Choose lighter blends or decaf: Lighter roasts and decaf often contain fewer staining compounds.
• Get your teeth professionally cleaned or whitened: Once your braces come off, a professional clean or whitening treatment can remove surface stains and restore brightness.

Can I Drink Coffee Every Day With Braces?

Yes — in moderation. If you’re drinking one or two cups a day and following basic care steps (rinsing after, brushing twice daily, seeing your hygienist), the risk of long-term staining or damage is low.

It’s daily habits that matter most — not just the drink itself. Repeated sipping, skipping rinses, and sugary coffee additives all raise the risk of problems.

Want to know if your braces are working as they should? Read our guide on what it feels like when your teeth start shifting with braces.

Why Oral Hygiene Matters More If You Drink Coffee With Braces

Coffee stains don’t just build up on teeth — our London orthodontists often notice discolouration around brackets and elastic bands if patients skip rinsing after their brew.

Coffee doesn’t just stain — it also highlights plaque and makes poor cleaning more noticeable.

Elastic bands can discolour faster, especially on ceramic braces. And if coffee residue is left on your teeth, it can cling around brackets and wires, increasing the chance of long-term marks or cavities.

With Invisalign, the risk is different. If trays go back in without cleaning your teeth, coffee residue gets trapped under the aligners — essentially soaking your teeth in tannins and acid.

That’s why:

• Brushing twice a day is non-negotiable
• Flossing around brackets is essential
• Regular hygiene appointments are a smart move

Speak to a Braces Dentist in London About Your Lifestyle

We’ve helped thousands of patients in London straighten their teeth without giving up the things they love — including coffee.

At Whites Dental, we offer free consultations at our braces clinic in London, with locations in both Waterloo and Marble Arch. Whether you’re interested in Invisalign, metal braces, or another discreet option, we’ll tailor your treatment plan around your lifestyle and goals.

Our clinic in London Waterloo is a a short walk from Southwark, London Waterloo, and Borough Market — and we’re here to help you smile with confidence.

Our clinic in London Marble Arch is walking distance from Oxford Street, Paddington rail station, Hyde Park and Notting Hill.