What Can You Eat With Clear Aligners?

Worried about having to change your diet because you want clear aligners? Well, we have good news for you - you can eat everything and anything! Your diet does not need to change. 

So go ahead and indulge in all the sticky, crunchy foods that traditional braces would forbid! However, when it comes to eating with clear aligners, there are still a few important things to keep in mind. Maintaining good oral health is key to achieving the best results and that confident, radiant smile you’re working toward!

Understanding Treatment

Clear aligner treatment is a game-changer in the world of orthodontics. Unlike traditional metal braces, our clear aligners are made from a material called Zendura™ FLX and are designed to move your teeth effectively and gently. They are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired position. Plus, they are BPA-free, ensuring a safe and effective treatment.

One of the biggest perks of clear aligner treatment is its convenience. Our aligners are removable, so you can enjoy all your favourite foods without restrictions. No more worrying about food getting stuck in your braces, and because they are clear, they are nearly invisible, making them a discreet option for straightening your teeth.

Can You Eat with Clear Aligners On?

Nope.

But why would you want to risk damaging your aligners, anyway? All it takes to enjoy your snack breaks and meal times is to quickly remove them from your mouth and all it takes is 3-5 seconds. Because, unlike traditional methods, clear aligners are completely removable. So, wave goodbye to the never-ending assortment of foods getting stuck in your braces and the same embarrassing line ‘you have something in your teeth’ that people with braces hear daily. 

Foods to Avoid

Straightening your smile with us means that you have to give up precisely zero food groups. The only catch is that you have to take out your aligners, which is easy-peasy! It is also important to avoid acidic foods to prevent tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion.

When it comes to beverages, you don’t have to remove the aligners to drink water. Sip away! BUT, when it comes to hot tea and coffee, you will absolutely need to take out your aligners! Hot drinks (and food) will compromise the aligners as they are constructed with a form of plastic melts.

You may also find it surprising that we ask that you remove your clear aligners when consuming cold beverages other than cold water. Why, you ask? Great question!

When you consume sugary, artificial drinks while wearing your retainers, you are essentially trapping the sugar or additives from those drinks inside your retainers, exposing your teeth to these cavity-provoking substances for way longer than usual. Therefore, not only are you compromising the strength and overall condition of your aligners, but you’re also putting oral health of your teeth and gum health at risk, significantly increasing the risk of tooth decay from trapped food particles and bacteria.

Meal Prep Tips for Aligner Users

To be super transparent, you will experience some slight discomfort and sensitivity every time you put in a new set of your aligners. Generally, any discomfort disappears within a few days, but on those days, you might not feel up to eating granola, crunchy chips, or chewy steak. 

So, when you’re prepping your meals, you may need to consider softer meals and snacks on the first few days of your newest clear aligner trays.

Handling Sensitivity and Discomfort

As mentioned it is totally normal to experience some discomfort and sensitivity when you first start wearing clear aligners or switch to a new set. But don’t worry, this is temporary and there are ways to manage it:

• Eat soft foods: Soft foods can help ease the discomfort caused by new aligners.

• Avoid hot drinks: Hot coffee, tea, and chocolate can make sensitivity worse. Stick to cooler beverages.

• Use a desensitising toothpaste: This can help reduce sensitivity and make your teeth feel more comfortable.

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate any pain or discomfort.

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly, along with cleaning your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap, can help reduce sensitivity.

Remember, any discomfort you feel is temporary and will subside as your teeth adjust to the aligners. If the sensitivity persists, don’t hesitate to consult your dentist for advice. With these tips, you’ll be able to manage any discomfort and continue your journey to a straighter smile with ease.

Cleaning Aligners After Meals

The biggest and most important tip we can offer when it comes to cleaning your aligners after meals is making sure they ALWAYS go back into their case. You can’t clean your aligners if you can’t find them. You’d be astonished at how many people accidentally lose or throw out their aligners. Whether they’re placed on a napkin or on a random desk at lunchtime, the clue is in the name - they are CLEAR! It’s not always obvious where you’ve put them. So, to be safe and to save yourself the replacement cost fee, always put them back in their case.

We recommend brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal and beverage. Once they’re in, whatever food or bacteria is left on your teeth will get trapped there, which is not ideal. This can lead to cavities and tooth discolouration, which no one wants.

So when you’re finished with your meal or beverage of choice, rinse your mouth and retainers, go for a quick brush and floss, and viola—done.

Bitesoft's Aligner Care Products

When it comes to aligner care products, we’ve developed a dual-action product that we’re very proud of, and it might not be something you’d expect.

Meet our Teeth Whitening Foam.

Yes, it whitens your teeth, but it also cleans your aligners and freshens your breath! You simply add a couple of pumps straight into your aligners before you pop them in, and this product will whiten your teeth while the aligners straighten them out. 

While we’re tooting our own horn and in the spirit of not gate-keeping life-changing products, you might want to check out our UltraSonic Electric Toothbrush.

We’ve dedicated a whole post on this one, which you can read here.

Expert Advice

In our professional yet humble opinion, clear aligners are the best thing to enter the orthodontic world, well, ever! So remember to wear aligners for 20-22 hours a day to ensure effective treatment and maintain progress in shifting your teeth into the desired position.

To summarise, you can eat what you want. Remove your aligners to eat and drink anything but water to maintain an impeccable oral hygiene regime, so that you’re left with a straight, beautifully whitened smile that everyone around you will envy. 

Still have questions? Contact us here, or head to our Instagram or TikTok for our latest tips & tricks.