Clear aligners have transformed orthodontic treatment, offering a discreet, comfortable, and highly flexible option for straightening teeth.
One of the most common questions from new aligner wearers is whether clear aligners can be kept in while eating. The short answer is no, you shouldn’t eat while wearing clear aligners.
This is more of a benefit than a downside, as the ability to remove your aligners before meals means no food restrictions! With clear aligners, you can enjoy all the foods you love, unlike traditional braces, which require avoiding certain foods, such as those that are sticky or hard.
In this article, we’ll break down why eating while wearing aligners is a bad idea, how you should handle drinking with them on, and the best practices for mealtime during your Smilelign journey.
Why shouldn’t you eat with clear aligners in?
While it might seem tempting to keep your aligners in while eating for for convenience, particularly when out in public, this can lead to several issues.
Damage to the aligners: While Smilelign aligners are made of a high-quality, durable material, they’re designed to shift your teeth gently, not to handle the force of chewing food. Hard or crunchy foods may warp or damage aligners, causing them to lose their effectiveness. If this happens, you may need a replacement set. This will delay your treatment progress.
Staining: Strongly coloured foods, such as curry or tomato-based dishes, can leave permanent marks on your aligners. With most people choosing clear aligners for their discreet appearance, discolouration is not desirable!
Poor oral hygiene: Eating with your aligners in can trap food particles between the trays and your teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to bad breath, cavities, and gum problems – none of which are ideal when you’re working towards a healthier, straighter smile.
Can you drink while wearing clear aligners?
Drinking water while wearing clear aligners is perfectly fine. However, it’s best to remove your aligners when drinking anything else. Sugary and acidic drinks can seep under the aligners, contributing to tooth decay, and potentially affecting the aligners themselves.
Hot drinks such as tea or coffee can warp the material of aligners. This will affect their fit and make them less effective. As with foods, coloured beverages like juice or wine can stain both your teeth and the aligners.
So, if you’re drinking anything other than water, be sure to take your aligners out.
Best practices for eating with aligners
The flexibility of clear aligners allows you to eat whatever you like. You just need to follow a few simple steps to ensure your treatment stays on track.
Don’t forget to put aligners back in after eating: Smilelign clear aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours each day to ensure their effectiveness and prevent treatment delay. Taking aligners out for meals (and brushing/flossing) is important, but be sure to put them back in as soon as you’ve finished. You might find it helpful to set a reminder, or keep your aligners within your sight so that you don’t forget.
Keep your aligners in a safe place: To prevent your aligners from getting lost or damaged, keep them in their case whenever they’re not in your mouth. Aligners that are left unattended or placed in random spots are at risk of being stepped on, chewed by pets, or crushed in bags or pockets. You should also avoid wrapping them in napkins or tissues, as you run the risk of accidentally throwing them away!
Brush after meals: Use mouthwash or brush your teeth after meals or sugary drinks to maintain good oral hygiene. However, after consuming acidic foods or drinks, wait 30 minutes before brushing. The acidity temporarily weakens your enamel, and brushing too soon can cause erosion. Instead, rinse with water and brush later.
It’s also a great habit to clean your aligners each time you take them out for meals. This prevents any build-up of bacteria or plaque on the trays and keeps them fresh throughout the day. Using a product like Dentipur cleaning spray is ideal for this, especially when you’re on the go!
Not yet started your clear aligner journey?
With Smilelign, you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without sacrificing your favourite foods. Just remember to take out your aligners, brush after eating, and keep your aligners clean.
By following these best practices, you can enjoy your meals without worrying about damaging your aligners or delaying your progress.
Ready to start your clear aligner journey? Find your nearest Smilelign provider today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your dream smile!
