How to eat with aligners: a few things about eating (and drinking) with clear aligner you should know
You might think that wearing aligners will be prohibitive, but it doesn’t have to be if you follow a few key guidelines. Here are the top questions we get about eating and drinking with aligners, along with recommendations about what to do so you don’t have to miss out on good meals with friends and family.
Can you eat with clear aligners?
Clear aligners are made to be removed while you eat, giving you the freedom to eat without obstructions during your treatment, unlike when using metal braces.
From bread to boiled sweets, you should remove your aligners wherever possible, rinsing both your aligners and your mouth after eating. Brushing after eating food should be at minimum twice a day, using a soft bristle brush to clean out your aligners and to remove any debris from your teeth, before reinserting your clear aligner.
What can I eat with aligners on?
As mentioned before, the ideal situation for eating whilst going through aligner treatment is to remove them completely. We know that sometimes scenarios aren’t ideal, so the best next choice would be to only eat soft and easily chewable food to prevent any injury to your mouth or damage to your clear aligner.
Advantages of clear aligners: why they might be right for you
Aligners are often chosen by people who value having the same freedoms day-to-day while straightening their teeth. It’s necessary to wear the aligners consistently, but you can remove your aligners to enjoy the same foods as before. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of aligner treatment.
Hybrid monitoring:
With a mix of in-person and remote photo monitoring using the Impress app, it’s easy to complete your treatment without regular interruption to your week. Impress patients are simply required to upload the photos of their teeth each week for the medical team to review and confirm that they’re on track to switch to the next aligner in the kit.
Food freedom:
With aligners, you still have the freedom to eat whatever you want. Just pop out your aligners beforehand; there are no food restrictions like with braces, which limit hard or sticky foods.
Easy to maintain and clean:
Removing the aligners and keeping them in the travel case prevents any damage or loss to the aligner tray. Making sure that you remove the aligner prior to drinking or eating foods with rich colours helps to prevent stains and the buildup of residue.
Total discretion:
Aligners often go unnoticed to the untrained eye, meaning you can enjoy your treatment and the discretion that comes from using aligners. It also means you don’t have to miss out on great meals with friends after the re-tightening that happens frequently when wearing traditional braces. Just take your aligners out before every meal and make sure to keep them safe. Enjoy!
Start your aligner journeyHow to care for your aligners after food
- Be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly following any meal.
- Only drink water throughout the day to maintain your oral health and to keep your mouth hydrated.
- Clean your aligners as soon after eating as possible to get rid of any residue and debris that might be lingering in gaps between your teeth and inside your aligner tray.
What happens if you eat with aligners on?
Eating while wearing your clear aligners presents its own set of issues. Although the material used to make aligners is durable, it isn’t meant to be used to chew with, so there is always a risk of breaking your aligner device if you continually wear it to eat.
Foods to avoid with aligners
Sticky, chewy, hard and crunchy foods can all tend to damage your aligner, or just be quite difficult to clean off your teeth and your aligners. Remember to: make it bite-sized, smaller pieces prevent pressure and food from getting stuck. Stringy veg, or tricky food such as corn on the cob, can also cause a problem, so opt for softer choices when possible.
Don’t forget to put your aligner back in
The success of your treatment depends on wearing your aligner 20-22 hours each day, so always clean your teeth, your aligner and re-insert them as soon as possible after eating.
Leaving them out for extended periods of time can lengthen the overall time of your treatment and delay your progress. Set a reminder that alerts you every lunch time to also put your aligners back in until it becomes a habit.
If you're interested in how aligner treatment would work for you, book to see us at a clinic near you, message us on WhatsApp or give us a call on +442038081072. We specialise in a patient-centred approach at Impress, and our initial consultations are non-obligatory. We look forward to meeting you soon.
FAQ's about teeth eating with aligners
Can I drink sparkling water with aligners?
Yes, it is okay to drink sparkling water with aligners, but only in moderation. The acidity and carbonation that are used to create the fizz and sparkle can weaken your enamel over time. We recommend removing your aligner before drinking any carbonated drink, and stick to plain water over any other drink wherever possible for optimal health.
Can I drink coffee with aligners?
If you’re a coffee lover and you struggle to get through the morning without a hot cup of it, you‘ll be pleasantly surprised to hear that we don’t say no to coffee during aligner straightening treatment. We do strongly advise that you remove your aligner before drinking coffee or tea. Whilst they won’t necessarily affect your treatment, tea and coffee are likely to cause staining on your teeth and the aligner if kept in. Hot beverages and food can also warp the shape of aligners.