Can I drink coffee with braces?

Whites Dental Waterloo

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Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)

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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.

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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:

If you’re a coffee drinker wearing Invisalign:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.