Are you considering clear aligner treatment? Clear aligners straighten teeth using clear plastic trays to shift the teeth into the proper position. This orthodontic treatment is becoming increasingly popular due to its many benefits.
One of these benefits has to do with eating. Before getting started with clear aligner treatment, many patients have questions about eating and drinking during the process. Here’s what you should know.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligner therapy is an orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth and aligns your bite so that the top row of teeth meet together properly with the bottom row of teeth. The teeth are shifted into place with removable aligners made of clear plastic that fit snugly to your teeth. Treatment consists of a series of aligners that you wear for 2 weeks at a time, one after the other, until you’ve worn them all and your teeth are in proper alignment. Each aligner makes gradual adjustments to the teeth over time.
Can You Eat While Wearing Your Aligners?
It is necessary to take your aligners out whenever you eat. Rinse them off if possible and store them in the case while you’re eating. It is best to brush your teeth after eating before putting your aligners back in. If you are unable to brush your teeth, rinse your mouth out with water before putting your aligners back in your mouth.
What Can Happen If You Eat While Wearing Clear Aligners?
Eating while wearing your aligners could result in the following problems:
- Difficulty chewing. It can be difficult to eat with your aligners in your mouth because you won’t be able to chew effectively. The smooth plastic is not sharp like your natural teeth.
- Increased risk of tooth decay. If you eat while wearing your aligners, pieces of food are likely to get stuck under them, which can cause tooth decay. Also avoid drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners.
- Stained aligners. Many foods and beverages can stain your aligners so that they are no longer invisible on your teeth. Taking them out when you eat or drink reduces the chances of staining.
Are There Any Eating Restrictions With Clear Aligners?
With clear aligners there are no limits to what you can eat, as long as you take them out when you do eat. This is one of the benefits of clear aligners over braces, which come with specific eating restrictions and a list of foods to avoid. You can eat the foods you enjoy during treatment due to the convenience of removable aligners.
Do Clear Aligners Cause Discomfort That Affects Eating?
When you first start wearing clear aligners, and each time you switch to a new set of aligners, your teeth may feel tight or your mouth may be a little sore as the teeth are shifted out of their usual position. It may be necessary to eat soft foods for a few days while your teeth get used to the new aligners. The greatest amount of discomfort tends to occur at the beginning of treatment, and lessens with each new aligner.
How Do I Get Started With Clear Aligner Therapy?
If you’re interested in clear aligner treatment, Attleboro Family Dental Care provides this service as one of our orthodontic treatment options. We offer clear aligners for teens and adults who need or want a straighter smile. After a brief evaluation we can determine if clear aligners would be effective for you.
To learn more, call 508-222-2510 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.