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If you’re in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners like Invisalign®, you’ve probably been told to wear them for about 22 hours a day. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for meals, snacks, or your daily cup of coffee. Naturally, one of the most common questions we get is: can you drink coffee with your aligners in?

The short answer is: ideally, no. But let’s break it down.

Coffee can potentially stain clear aligners and your teeth, making your once-invisible aligners look yellow or brown. This defeats one of the biggest benefits of aligners—their nearly invisible appearance. So, if your goal is to keep your trays clear and your smile looking great throughout treatment, coffee is best avoided while your aligners are in.

The biggest concern is sugar. Most coffee drinkers add sugar, cream, milk, or flavored syrups—all of which contain sugar. When you drink coffee with aligners in, those sugars can become trapped between the aligner and your teeth, creating a perfect environment for cavities and gum problems. Even milk and cream contain natural sugars that can contribute to this issue.

However, if you're drinking plain black coffee—no cream, no sugar—it’s okay. We still recommend removing your aligners first if possible, but if you do drink black coffee with your aligners in, be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water right afterward and brush your teeth as soon as you can. If you sip on coffee for an extended period of time, we want to make sure that you are wearing the aligners for the required 22 hours per day and it will be ok to drink coffee with the aligners in if there is no sugar. Just make sure that there is no sugar, remember to rinse after and brush as soon as possible and understand that your aligners may stain.

One of the best workarounds for coffee lovers in aligners is switching to iced black coffee and using a straw. Drinking through a straw helps minimize contact with your teeth and aligners, reducing the risk of staining and sugar exposure. While this isn’t a perfect solution, it can help when you’re short on time or can’t remove your aligners for a quick sip.

The most important thing is to maintain your aligner wear time and oral hygiene. Try to limit how long your aligners are out and always rinse and brush after drinking anything besides plain water. If you’re going to have coffee, black is best, and keeping your mouth clean afterward will go a long way toward protecting both your teeth and your aligners.

In the end, you don’t have to give up coffee completely during aligner treatment. With the right approach, you can enjoy it and still stay on track with your smile goals. If you have any questions or want personalized advice about your aligner care, we’re always here to help.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we specialize in helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles with custom care that fits real life. If you’re in the Spring Hill or Lecanto area and considering clear aligners, reach out to us—we’d love to meet you here in Citrus County FL and Hernando County FL.

Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile—but let’s be real: those first few days with braces can come with some sensitivity and discomfort. The good news? It’s completely normal, temporary, and manageable with a few simple tips.

Why Braces Cause Discomfort

When braces are first placed or adjusted, they begin gently guiding your teeth into their ideal positions. That pressure can cause soreness, especially in the first 3–5 days. You might notice:

• Tender teeth or gums

• Mild jaw discomfort

• Sores on the inside of your lips or cheeks (your mouth getting used to the new hardware)

This sensitivity is actually a sign that your braces are working!

How to Ease the Discomfort

Here are some tips we recommend at Strouse Orthodontics:

1. Stick to Soft Foods

Think smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt, pasta, and soups—anything that doesn't require too much chewing. This helps give your mouth a break while your teeth adjust.

2. Use Orthodontic Wax

If a bracket or wire is rubbing against your cheek or lip, place a small amount of wax over the area to cushion it. We'll give you a kit at your appointment, and you can always request more if you run out.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and make you more comfortable. (Always follow dosing instructions or consult your doctor if unsure.)

4. Rinse with Salt Water

A warm saltwater rinse can soothe irritated areas in your mouth and promote healing. Just dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse gently.

5. Use a Cold Compress

A cold pack on the outside of your face for 10–15 minutes at a time can reduce inflammation and numb soreness.

6. Try a Dental Pain Eraser

At Strouse Orthodontics, we offer a dental pain eraser device to help with treatment-related discomfort—ask us if it's right for you.

When to Call Your Orthodontist

While some soreness is expected, give us a call if:

• A wire is poking painfully and wax isn’t helping
• You have a loose bracket or broken appliance
• The pain is severe or lasts longer than a week

The Bottom Line

A little discomfort is a small part of a big transformation. Most patients find that within a week, the sensitivity fades, and their new routine feels second nature. If you ever have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help every step of the way.

We are your orthodontist in Spring Hill, FL and Lecanto, FL for all of your orthodontic needs in Citrus County FL and Hernando County FL.

When most people think of orthodontic treatment, they imagine perfectly aligned teeth and a beautiful smile. While aesthetics are a major benefit, orthodontics offer far more than meets the eye. In fact, orthodontic care can significantly enhance your overall health in ways you might not expect. Here are some surprising benefits beyond just straight teeth:

Long-term Dental Health

A properly aligned bite minimizes excessive wear and tear on your teeth. Dentists often do not know or will not tell you if you don't have an ideal occlusion(bite). An uncorrected bite can lead to uneven wear, increasing the likelihood of fillings, crowns, and other dental restorations over your lifetime. Orthodontic treatment helps ensure your teeth maintain optimal health and functionality for the long term.

Improved Periodontal (Gum) Health

Straight teeth are significantly easier to keep clean, reducing plaque accumulation and the risk of periodontal disease. By improving the alignment of your teeth, orthodontic care supports healthier gums, reducing inflammation and preventing future gum-related issues.

Improved Breathing and Better Sleep

Misaligned teeth or improper jaw alignment can contribute to obstructed airways, causing breathing difficulties, snoring, or sleep apnea. Orthodontic treatment can reposition the jaw and teeth, opening up the airway and significantly improving sleep quality, breathing, and overall energy levels. This is why it is so important to receive an initial orthodontic screening at age 7.

Clearer Speech

Misalignment or crowding of teeth can lead to speech difficulties, affecting pronunciation of certain sounds. Orthodontic correction not only improves the alignment of teeth but also helps enhance speech clarity and confidence, particularly in children and adolescents developing essential communication skills.

Reduced Risk of Oral Disease

Crowded, crooked teeth are difficult to clean effectively, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Orthodontics facilitate easier, more efficient cleaning, significantly lowering the likelihood of future oral health problems.

Prevention of Jaw Pain and TMJ Issues

Improper bite alignment can put undue stress on the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ), leading to chronic jaw pain, headaches, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Orthodontic treatments align your bite correctly, relieving pressure on your jaw and reducing the risk of developing TMJ disorders.

Increased Confidence and Career Success

Numerous studies have shown that individuals with confident, attractive smiles tend to perform better professionally. Research indicates that people who smile confidently are often perceived as more trustworthy, successful, and approachable, potentially leading to better job opportunities and higher earnings.

Orthodontics: More than Just a Beautiful Smile

The value of orthodontic care extends far beyond cosmetic benefits. From enhancing breathing and sleep to preventing chronic pain and promoting long-term oral health, investing in orthodontic treatment is an investment in overall wellness.

At our practice, we specialize in personalized orthodontic care tailored specifically to your unique needs. Whether you're considering braces, clear aligners, or custom orthodontics, we’re here to ensure you achieve not just a beautiful smile, but better overall health and well-being.

Ready to explore the health benefits orthodontics can offer you or your child? Schedule a consultation today and let’s begin the journey to a healthier smile and a healthier you!

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a beautiful, healthy smile! But to get the best results (and avoid unnecessary trips to the orthodontist), it’s important to be mindful of what you eat and drink. Certain foods can damage your braces, slow down your progress, or make keeping your teeth clean more difficult.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we want to make your treatment as smooth as possible, so here’s what you need to know about eating and drinking with braces.

Foods to Avoid with Braces
Braces are strong, but they’re not indestructible. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can break brackets, bend wires, or get stuck in places that are hard to clean. To keep your treatment on track, here are some foods you should avoid:

1. Hard Foods
   These can break brackets and wires, leading to unexpected trips to the orthodontist:

• Nuts
• Hard candies
• Ice cubes (chewing on them)
• Raw carrots (cut them into small pieces instead)
• Popcorn (kernels can get stuck and damage braces)

2. Sticky & Chewy Foods
   These foods can pull on your braces, get stuck, and make cleaning difficult:

• Gum (even "sugar-free" varieties)
• Gummy candies
• Chewy bagels and tough bread
• Caramel and taffy

3. Crunchy Snacks
   

• Chips (opt for softer alternatives like baked chips)
• Pretzels
• Granola bars(unless they’re soft and not too sticky)

3. Sugary Foods & Drinks
   While sugar doesn’t directly harm your braces, it increases the risk of cavities, especially since braces make cleaning your teeth a little trickier. Limit:

• Soda and sports drinks
• Candy
• Sugary juices
• Energy drinks

  If you do indulge in sweets, brush and rinse your mouth afterward to keep your teeth clean.

What Can I Eat with Braces?
Good news—there are still plenty of delicious foods you can enjoy while wearing braces! Here are some braces-friendly options:

✅ Soft Fruits & Vegetables – Bananas, berries, steamed veggies, avocados
✅ Dairy Products – Yogurt, cheese, soft cheeses, milk
✅ Soft Grains – Pasta, rice, soft bread, pancakes
✅ Protein Options – Eggs, fish, tender chicken, tofu
✅ Soft Snacks – Smoothies, applesauce, pudding

What About Drinking with Braces?
Drinks can affect your braces just as much as food! Here are some things to keep in mind:

Avoid sugary and acidic drinks like soda, sports drinks, and fruit juices. These can cause cavities and weaken your enamel.
Limit coffee and tea to prevent staining.
Stick to water as much as possible—it keeps your mouth hydrated and helps rinse away food particles.

Final Tips for Eating with Braces
Cut food into smaller pieces – This makes it easier to chew without putting too much pressure on your braces.
Chew with your back teeth – Avoid biting directly into hard foods.
Brush and floss after eating – Keeping your teeth clean is even more important with braces!
We’re Here to Help!

At Strouse Orthodontics, voted the Best Orthodontist in Hernando County for the last 4 years, we want your braces journey to be as smooth as possible. If you ever have questions about what you can or can’t eat, feel free to ask! And if something happens—like a loose bracket or wire—give us a call, and we’ll help you get back on track.

Ready for a straighter smile? Schedule an appointment with us today!