Clear aligners are an increasingly popular choice for orthodontic treatment, thanks to their discreet appearance and comfortable fit. Unlike traditional metal braces, which can restrict your diet and make mealtimes a hassle, clear aligners are removable, giving you the freedom to enjoy your favorite foods.
However, wearing aligners also comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes to eating. If not handled properly, meals and snacks can damage your aligners, stain them, or lead to oral health problems. Here’s everything you need to know about eating with clear aligners, including helpful tips and best practices to keep your treatment on track.
Can You Eat with Clear Aligners On?
The short answer is no—you should always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Clear aligners are made from medical-grade plastic that can easily be damaged or stained by chewing or exposure to colored or sugary foods and beverages.
Eating with aligners on can lead to:
- Cracks or warping in the plastic
- Food getting trapped and causing decay
- Stains that make your aligners look cloudy or yellow
- Increased risk of bad breath or gum irritation
For best results, take them out every time you eat or drink (except when drinking plain water) and place them in their case to prevent loss or contamination.
Eating Best Practices with Clear Aligners
1. Remove Your Aligners Before Every Meal or Snack
Always take out your aligners before eating, even for small snacks. Leaving them in can damage the aligners and trap food particles against your teeth, creating the perfect environment for cavities and bacterial growth.
2. Brush or Rinse Before Putting Aligners Back In
After you eat, it’s essential to brush your teeth—or at the very least, rinse your mouth with water—before reinserting your aligners. This helps remove food particles and sugars that could otherwise sit between your teeth and the aligners, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Tip: Carry a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste with you so you can clean your teeth on the go.
3. Stick to Water While Wearing Aligners
You can safely drink plain, cool water with your aligners. But avoid beverages like coffee, tea, soda, juice, or wine while wearing them. These drinks can stain the plastic and potentially cause warping if too hot.
If you do drink anything other than water, remove your aligners first, then clean your teeth afterward, before putting them back on.
Plan Your Meals Strategically
Since you need to wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, you’ll have limited time to remove them. This means meal planning becomes more important than ever.
Tips for Meal Timing:
- Consolidate meals to three main meals and 1–2 snacks per day to reduce the number of times you remove your aligners.
- Avoid frequent snacking unless necessary to maximize aligner wear time.
- Time your coffee or tea to coincide with meals so you don’t have to remove aligners multiple times a day.
Foods to Avoid After Putting Aligners Back In
Even after you’ve taken out your aligners to eat, be cautious with certain foods. Sticky, sugary, or acidic foods can cling to your teeth and cause problems if not thoroughly cleaned away.
Avoid:
- Gummy candies, caramel, and other sticky sweets
- Hard foods that may leave debris (e.g., popcorn kernels)
- Highly pigmented foods (like turmeric or curry) that can stain teeth and aligners
Always Use Your Case
When eating out, never wrap your aligners in a napkin or leave them on the table. It’s incredibly common for aligners to get thrown away accidentally this way. Always store them in their protective case to keep them safe and clean.
Stay on Schedule
Remember, every minute your aligners are out slows down your treatment. The key to success is consistency. Try to limit the amount of time your aligners are removed for eating and cleaning—ideally, no more than 2–4 hours per day in total.
Set a timer or alarm if needed, especially when dining out or socializing, to ensure you don’t forget to put them back in.
Eating with clear aligners requires a bit of adjustment, but it doesn’t mean sacrificing your lifestyle. With mindful habits and good oral hygiene, you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods while staying on track with your treatment. The key is removing your aligners during meals, keeping them clean, and brushing your teeth before reinserting them.
By following these best practices, you’re not only protecting your aligners—you’re also paving the way for a healthier, straighter smile.
