Clear aligners should be removed before eating and drinking anything but water.
If you’re considering getting clear aligners, you might be wondering what impact the treatment will have on your day-to-day lifestyle. The good news is that clear aligners are comfortable and convenient. They can be removed, which means that they won’t interfere with your normal dietary habits or your oral hygiene routine. There are, however, a few things to bear in mind when it comes to taking care of your aligners — read on to find out what you should know about eating during your orthodontic treatment…
Avoid stains and discolouration
One of the biggest advantages of wearing clear aligners is that they are virtually invisible. This means that you don’t have to worry about noticeable wires and brackets, and you can enjoy a very discreet form of orthodontic treatment. In order to maintain the discreet nature of your clear aligners, it is important that you don’t stain or discolour them. For this reason, it is essential that you remove your aligners before drinking anything other than water. Beverages like tea and coffee, for example, can contribute to discolouration over time, especially if you sip on them throughout the day.
Don’t eat with your aligners in
If you choose to wear clear aligners, it is very important that you remove them every time you eat. If you chew with your aligners in your mouth, they can be easily damaged and may even crack as a result of the excess pressure. Eating without removing your aligners can also cause stains, plus food debris can get stuck between your teeth and aligners and contribute to the build-up of plaque.
Limit your snacks
Although clear aligners can and should be removed when you eat, this is not a reason to snack throughout the day. In fact, your clear aligners should be worn for between 20 and 22 hours every day, so removing them more than you really need to may delay the results of your treatment. If you do enjoy the occasional snack, be sure to brush your teeth after eating and before you put your aligner back in your mouth.
Don’t chew gum
Chewing gum — even the sugar-free variety — should be avoided whilst wearing your clear aligners. Gum is sticky and can get stuck to your aligners. Also, the chewing motion can place unnecessary pressure on your aligners and cause irreparable damage.
Brush after eating
One of the easiest ways to maintain your oral health and the clear appearance of your aligners is to brush your teeth after every meal and snack. You should also rinse your aligner every time you are ready to put it back in your mouth. Good oral hygiene habits will go a long way in preventing issues like tooth decay and gum disease, plus they will help to keep your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
It is advisable that you rinse your aligners every night and brush them gently with your toothbrush to remove any bacteria, plaque and food particles that may have accumulated during the day.
How can we help?
At Dental Pearls, we offer two types of clear aligners: Invisalign and ClearCorrect. If you have an orthodontic concern and are considering clear aligners, we encourage you to come in and see us for a consultation. Your orthodontist will be able to explain the benefits of the treatment, and let you know if you are a suitable candidate.
When you have your aligners fitted, your orthodontist will explain how best to maintain them, and how to take care of your oral health throughout the treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, our team is happy to help.
To find out more about Invisalign and how it works, please have a look here.
If you would like to find out more about ClearCorrect and what the process involves, please have a look here.
If you’re ready to arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here or give us a call on (07) 3210 2144.
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