Eating and Drinking with Clear Aligners: Dos and Don’ts

Clear aligners are a popular choice for orthodontic treatment because they are invisible, removable, and comfortable. However, it is important to be mindful of what you eat and drink while wearing clear aligners to ensure that they remain effective and hygienic.

Dos

• Remove your clear aligners before eating and drinking anything other than water. This will prevent food and drinks from getting trapped in your aligners and staining or damaging them.
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking. This will help to remove any food or drink particles that may be lingering in your mouth and prevent them from getting trapped in your aligners.
• Brush your teeth and floss after eating and drinking. This will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

Don’ts

• Do not eat or drink anything other than water while wearing your clear aligners. This includes sugary drinks, such as soda and juice, as well as sticky foods, such as candy and chewing gum.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco while wearing your clear aligners. This can stain and damage your aligners and reduce their effectiveness.
• Do not put your clear aligners in boiling water or the dishwasher. This can damage the aligners and make them unfit to wear.

Additional tips

• If you do need to eat or drink something other than water while wearing your clear aligners, try to do so quickly and rinse your mouth out thoroughly afterwards.
• If you are going to be drinking a lot of sugary drinks, it is best to remove your clear aligners and drink from a straw. This will help to minimize the amount of sugar that comes into contact with your teeth.
• If you are going to be eating sticky foods, it is best to remove your clear aligners and eat them slowly and carefully. This will help to prevent the food from getting stuck in your aligners and damaging them.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your clear aligners remain effective and hygienic throughout your orthodontic treatment.