Clear aligners have become one of the most without a mouth full of metal brackets and wires. Many patients considering clear aligners want to know if treatment means giving up their favorite foods and drinks. Our Brighton, MI, dentists hear this question often, and the answer comes down to a few simple habits.
Here's what you need to know about eating and drinking with clear aligners.
Clear dental aligners are custom-molded trays, and they are not built to handle chewing. Biting down on food with your aligners in can crack the plastic or warp the fit, which slows your progress toward a straighter smile. Removing them before every meal or snack protects both your treatment plan and your investment.
This is actually one of the biggest advantages dental aligners have over traditional braces, though it requires commitment on your part. Because of , you can pop them out whenever you need to, so you never have to worry about food getting stuck in brackets or wires. Braces, on the other hand, stay fixed to your teeth around the clock.
Plain water is the only drink considered safe while your clear orthodontic aligners are in place. Anything else, even a sip of coffee or a splash of juice, can seep beneath the trays and sit against your teeth for hours at a time.
That prolonged contact is where the real damage happens. Sugary and acidic drinks feed the bacteria that cause cavities and can wear down enamel over time. A few common drinks to avoid while wearing aligners include:
Our local cosmetic dentists recommend taking your aligners out before reaching for any of these. It might be tough at first, but if you do, you won't have unwanted dental problems during clear aligner treatment.
Since clear aligners for adults and teens come out at mealtime, there is no list of forbidden foods to memorize. You can eat the same foods you always have, whether that is a crunchy apple, a steak dinner, or popcorn at the movies.
The only real adjustment is timing and habit. Brush and floss before putting your aligners back in so you are not trapping food particles or bacteria against your teeth for the next several hours.
Good oral hygiene matters more during clear aligner therapy, not less. A few easy ways to keep your teeth healthy go a long way toward keeping both your teeth and your aligners in good shape throughout treatment.
Carry a travel toothbrush and a small case so you are never tempted to skip a cleaning or wrap your aligners in a napkin, which is an easy way to lose them. Sticking with regular teeth cleanings inside our Brighton, MI, dental office also helps our dentists catch any issues early and keep your treatment plan on track.
Eating and drinking normally is entirely possible during clear aligner treatment. It just takes a short pause before meals and a quick brushing habit afterward. If you are ready to find out whether clear aligner treatment is right for your smile, our cosmetic dentists in Brighton, MI, would love to help. Call Schaefer Dental Group today at (810) 229-2126 or contact us online to request an appointment.