One of the less talked about yet vital advantages of clear aligners is the freedom from dietary or food restrictions that come with orthodontic treatment involving metal braces. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners can be easily removed before eating, which is a highlighting point of such orthodontic treatment. However, one should remember that certain dietary restrictions are common in maintaining overall oral health during the teeth-straightening process.
Importance of Dietary Awareness
Similar to transparent braces, clear aligners represent an innovative orthodontic approach that offers a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. However, maintaining optimal oral health during clear aligner treatment necessitates careful consideration of dietary choices to ensure treatment efficacy and prevent potential harm to dental health.
Foods to Avoid with Clear Aligners:
The wearer of clear aligners are restricted to eat or drink anything but clear water while putting on aligners. In general you should avoid extremely hot, cold, sticky and crunchy foods with aligners in place. Nevertheless they can be consumed after removing the aligner, pay head to clean your teeth thoroughly before placing the aligner back. Smoking is not advisable while using clear aligners. Though having liquids with aligners in place is acceptable, remember not to have hot and colored drinks to avoid distortion and staining. As precaution you should avoid a few types of food for a smooth, no-obstruction and expeditious treatment.
Sticky foods:
Sticky foods such as caramel, toffee, chocolates, etc., are a big no-no. At the same time, sugary nut bites are also not recommended.
Chewy items:
Chewy candy items such as chewing gums, chewing tobacco, and other products are not at all advised when using clear aligners.
Hard food:
Hard-to-bite food such as guava, apple, carrots, and corn on the cob may hamper your teeth while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Crunchy snacks like chips, popcorn and ice should also be avoided.
Staining food:
Staining food such as red wine, cola, soy sauce, coloured ice candy, green tea, and black tea are best avoided so that the clear aligners do not discolour or get stained by these drinks.
Beverages:
Avoid hot beverages, as drinking hot drinks with your aligners can also warp the plastic, making them much less effective at aligning your teeth.
Alcohol:
Drinking alcohol regularly – particularly acidic and sugary drinks, like wines and cocktails are coloured – can stain the aligners.
Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene
- Brush your teeth properly and use floss after eating and before putting on the aligners back.
- Remove aligners before meals to avoid damaging them.
- Regularly cleaning your aligners is very important, so make it a habit of cleaning your aligner every day with water and a soft brush.
- Minimize snacking between your meals as it will increase acidic reactions in your mouth, causing gum decay.
- To maintain your orthodontic nutrition, try to consume foods that are enriched with vitamins and minerals. Have well-cooked food and less spicy food for better overall health.
Final Verdict
Having clear aligners has its own advantages only if you wear them for 20- 22 hours a day and maintain all the prescribed guidelines properly. It is recommended that some
orthodontic experts and their treatment procedures are explored before coming to a conclusion. You may visit i3dliner
FAQs
You should remove your aligner before having your meal to protect it from damage. Food particles stuck in the aligners can cause infection and gum diseases.
Hard fruit can spoil your clear aligner, so it is advised to remove it before eating fruit. You can have fruit juice with aligners on it, but make sure it is 100 % free of any pulses or fruit particles.
No. Clear aligners should be removed before eating any solid food.
If you accidentally eat with aligners, there’s no need to panic. Just make sure you brush your teeth and rinse your mouth out with water as soon as possible to ensure that your aligners are free from any food debris. You should also avoid eating hard or chewy foods for the rest of the day; if you feel any discomfort, visit your orthodontist.
Eating with aligners is not recommended so you should remove your aligners at the time of meals or snacks. Some foods like chewy, crunchy, excessive hot or cold may hamper your teeth’s healing and re-shaping process.
