Clear aligners have a nearly-invisible design that lets you enjoy unprecedented levels of freedom during your treatment. With clear aligners, you can still enjoy eating your favorite foods without worrying about damaging any brackets or wires.
Getting head-turning results requires a little extra attention during daily wear. Properly caring for your clear aligners can improve your overall treatment. Following simple steps after eating and drinking can help prevent unwanted outcomes like tooth decay or unpleasant breath.
Your smile is an important asset. For the last 30+ years, Dr. Black has helped people around Asheville achieve a more natural and balanced smile. Get started today with a free virtual or in-person smile assessment.
Can I eat while wearing clear aligners?
In addition to brushing and flossing every day, you must remember to give your aligners a quick clean between meals. Lightly rinse your aligners with cool water between meals. Be careful that the water isn’t too hot because overly hot water may distort or change your aligners. If you are able, give your teeth a quick brush afterward to eliminate trapped debris.
Forgetting to scrub your aligner between meals can have severe implications for your teeth. Dirty aligners can end up forcing food particles and bacteria into your teeth, which can develop into cavities.
What should I do after eating with clear aligners?
In addition to brushing and flossing every day, you must remember to give your aligners a quick clean between meals. Lightly rinse your aligners with cool water between meals. Be careful that the water isn’t too hot because overly hot water may distort or change your aligners. If you are able, give your teeth a quick brush afterward to eliminate trapped debris.
Forgetting to scrub your aligner between meals can have severe implications for your teeth. Dirty aligners can end up forcing food particles and bacteria into your teeth, which can develop into cavities.
What foods and drinks should I avoid with clear aligners?
Easily-removed clear aligners let you enjoy almost any food or drink during treatment. But no matter where you are in your smile journey, you should avoid eating certain foods. These foods can interfere with your treatment and negatively impact your dental health.
Here are some foods and drinks that we recommend avoiding during treatment and beyond:
- Sodas or juices: drinks with high sugar content can be breeding grounds for bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay
- Candy and hard food: Jawbreakers, crusty breads, potato chips, pretzels, or nuts can chip your teeth and knock your smile out of alignment.
- Chewy or sticky items: These foods can leave a residue on the surface of your teeth which can cause bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
- Coffee, wine, and dark pigments: Food with darker coloring can stain your teeth. Coffee and wine can discolor your clear aligner attachments. Never drink hot drinks with your aligners because the temperature can warp your aligners.
Asheville’s affordable provider of clear aligners
Clear aligners help teens and adults enjoy their best life. More and more people are using clear aligners to get the smile they’ve always wanted.
For over 30 years, Dr. Black has helped people of all backgrounds enjoy a more natural and confident smile. We pride ourselves on offering clear aligner solutions that fit your budget. Plus, with perks like in-office appointments and convenient virtual consultations, there’s never been a better time to enjoy a great smile!
Schedule your free smile assessment now, or if you have more questions about what you can eat and drink with clear aligners, contact our office today.