Do You Really Have to Take Your Clear Aligners Out Before Eating & Drinking?
June 15, 2023 6:15 pm |Clear aligners have become a popular option for people looking to straighten their teeth without the use of traditional braces. The treatment offers a way to get straight teeth with minimal impact on your daily life.
While clear aligners are simple to care for, one of the most common questions people have about clear aligners is whether or not they have to take them out before eating and drinking. In this blog, we’re sharing three reasons why you really do have to take clear aligners out before eating and drinking.
1. Avoid Clear Aligner Damage
Clear aligners are made of a type of plastic that can stain easily, especially if exposed to dark liquids like coffee, tea, and red wine. Leaving them in while you eat or drink could cause discoloration and ruin the appearance of your aligners. Clear aligners are also durably designed, but they aren’t indestructible. Eating with aligners can cause them to break or crack.
2. Prevent Bacteria Growth
When you eat or drink with your aligners, food particles, and liquids can get trapped in the aligners and promote bacterial growth, leading to bad breath and tooth decay. By taking your aligners out before eating, you give your mouth a chance to clean itself properly.
3. Maintain Alignment
Clear aligners work by applying gentle, constant pressure to your teeth to gradually shift them into the desired position. If you eat or drink with your aligners in, you may risk disrupting this pressure, which can slow down or even reverse your progress.
Learn More About Clear Aligners in Mililani, Hawaii
Making a small adjustment to your lifestyle by taking your clear aligners out before eating and drinking allows you to gain all the benefits associated with clear aligner therapy. If you’re interested in learning more about how to care for clear aligners before committing to orthodontic treatment, contact our team at Mauka Family Dental!
Categorised in: Invisalign Clear Aligners, Preventive Care
