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Food To Avoid When Wearing Aligners
You've heard the term, 'Beauty is Pain,' right? Well, in this case, we're not talking literal pain (promise), but for those foodies out there who want to obtain a straighter smile, pain may take the form of avoiding some of your favourite foods for 3-15 months.
Aligners are a great way to achieve a straighter smile, but they come with a few minor sacrifices. Admittedly, aligners are less complicated than braces regarding the dos and don'ts that apply to consumables. However, some food restrictions may apply to ensure you get the results you're paying for.
We recommend our customers remove their aligners before eating and follow any meal with a consistent brush, floss, and aligner cleaning routine. However, you'll still probs have to wave goodbye to a couple of your favourite foods to get the amaze-balls results you deserve.
So, without further ado, here are the foods to avoid when wearing aligners (insert crying emoji here):
HARD FOODS
Don't worry; pretzels and potato chips are safe, but food like hard lollies, nuts, and popcorn kernels are a definite no-no. Hard food can negatively impact your teeth's position, making your aligners more uncomfortable than they need to be, potentially causing them to break, and extending your treatment time. And no one wants that. Give us straight teeth, stat!
STICKY & CHEWY FOODS
Chewy food like taffy, gummies, chewing gum, and caramel may leave a sticky residue on your aligners and cause them to become misaligned or even break. Sticky food also has the potential to pull the aligners out of position, making it more difficult for you to achieve your desired results.
SOUR FOODS
Highly acidic food such as citrus fruits and candy can damage your aligners if consumed regularly. Acidic food can break down the enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to food particles and bacteria. It's best to stick to soft food and drink lots of water when wearing aligners.
FOODS & BEVERAGES THAT CAUSE STAINING
Alcohol, soda, coffee, tea, and red wine have the potential to stain your teeth during your aligner treatment. To help maintain a spotless smile, it's best to avoid these drinks where you can when wearing aligners. We're not saying you must deprive yourself entirely of these items because, honestly, who can function without their daily morning coffee (not us)?
However, it’s probably best if you consumed particular edibles after your aligners were removed and followed by a strict brushing and flossing routine to maintain those pearly whites and remove any risk of damage to your retainers.
WATCH OUT FOR HOT DRINKS
While some beverages can be consumed through a straw while wearing your aligners, we recommend avoiding hot drinks entirely while your aligners are worn. Hot liquids can cause your aligners to warp, making them less effective and extending your treatment along with the cost of replacing damaged aligners.
Now we know what you're thinking, "Well, what the heck can I eat?"
We got you.
ALIGNER-FRIENDLY FOODS
Soft food like mashed potatoes, mac n' cheese, pasta, eggs with toast and butter, banana bread, yogurt, and smoothies are all aligner friendly.
Dairy food is a great option, too, as most milk products won't leave a sticky residue or damage your aligners. And if you're looking for a snack, try some yogurt or pudding - they are both delicious and aligner-approved!
Remember to brush and floss before putting your aligners back in, and you should be good to go.
So, although there are food restrictions with aligners, they don't have to be a total buzz kill. With careful planning and preparation, you can still enjoy meals with family and friends without worrying about food harming your aligners or teeth.
And, if you crave your favourite sweet treat and simply can't ignore it, you have our permission to treat yourself, just not too often (Great advice with or without a current aligner treatment in progress). And again, ensure you follow it with floss and teeth brushing to ensure all residue has been removed and your aligners remain intact.
So there you have it, foodies, food to avoid when wearing aligners to ensure you get the best results from your treatment and maintain a healthy, bright smile while achieving straight teeth.
For more information on food to avoid when wearing aligners or any other enquiry contact Bitesoft Co. today! Or, follow along with us on Instagram, Tiktok & Facebook and see why people are choosing Bitesoft as their orthodontic solution. We'll help get you on the path to a perfect smile in no time.