Diet during treatment with an aligner – why is it so important?
Orthodontic treatment with an aligner is an increasingly popular method of correcting bite defects. Invisalign and other aligners offer many advantages, such as greater discretion and wearing comfort, but due to their nature, they require an appropriate diet - it plays a key role in maintaining oral health and the effectiveness of the appliance itself. From this text, you will learn:
- Why is a proper diet during treatment with an aligner so important?
- Which food products should be avoided to ensure the treatment process goes smoothly and is as comfortable as possible?
- How can daily habits support orthodontic treatment?
The impact of diet on aligners. Why is it worth paying attention to your diet?
Aligners are made of transparent plastics that can be easily deformed or stained by certain foods and drinks. During treatment, diet can directly affect the condition of the appliance itself, as well as the health of teeth and gums.
Avoiding staining foods and drinks. Coffee and orthodontic appliances
One of the main problems related to diet during aligner treatment is the risk of staining the appliances. Although they are removed during eating, residues of staining products can settle on the teeth and affect the appearance of the aligners and teeth. Particularly staining foods and drinks include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Fruit juices (especially cherry, blueberry)
- Curry and other spices with intense colors
A diet rich in these products can cause teeth to become stained, which in turn affects the aesthetics of the treatment. Additionally, color changes on the aligners can be difficult to remove, which will worsen the appearance of the aligners.
Principles of proper nutrition while wearing aligners
Regular tooth brushing after meals
One of the key elements of orthodontic treatment is maintaining proper oral hygiene. Aligners require regular tooth brushing after every meal. Food residues can settle between teeth, contributing to the development of cavities and gum inflammation. Therefore, it is important to brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal and use dental floss before putting the aligners back on.
Avoiding hard and sticky foods
Some foods can cause damage to the appliance. Hard products, such as nuts, hard vegetables (carrots, raw beets), and sweets (lollipops, hard candies), consumed while wearing aligners, can contribute to deformation or cracks in the aligners. Sticky products, such as chewing gum, caramels, or dried fruits, can stick to the teeth and make thorough cleaning difficult. It is important to remember that aligners must be removed during meals, as eating with them easily leads to cracks and deformations of the aligners, which can result in ineffective treatment. Hard food can also increase tooth pain and discomfort felt in the early stages of treatment.
Healthy diet supporting dental health
During aligner treatment, it is important to pay attention to products that support the health of teeth and gums. A diet rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D helps maintain strong teeth. It is also necessary to ensure an adequate amount of protein and healthy fats, which support tissue regeneration.
Products worth including in the diet are:
- Dairy (milk, yogurts, cheeses)
- Fish (especially rich in omega-3, like salmon)
- Leafy vegetables (spinach, kale)
- Nuts and seeds
- Eggs
What to avoid during aligner treatment?
Sweet drinks and sweets
Sugars are the main enemy of healthy teeth. During treatment with aligners, it is worth avoiding excessive amounts of sweet drinks, such as sweetened juices, carbonated drinks, or energy drinks. Sugar contributes to the formation of acids that destroy enamel, and the aligner can trap these acids on the teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.
What sweets can you eat with aligners?
During aligner treatment, it is best to limit the consumption of sweet products. However, if you crave something sweet, it is advisable to choose products that are not sticky or adhesive, as they can stick to the aligners and damage them. Remember to always remove the appliance while eating and drinking.
Acidic products
Acidic products, such as citrus fruits, vinegar, or carbonated drinks, can weaken tooth enamel. While wearing aligners, weakened enamel is more susceptible to damage, so it is worth limiting the consumption of such products.
Daily habits that support orthodontic treatment
Drinking water and rinsing the mouth
Drinking plenty of water not only helps maintain overall health but also supports oral hygiene. Water helps rinse away food residues and bacteria that could settle on teeth or aligners. A good practice is to rinse the mouth with water after every meal, especially if you cannot brush your teeth immediately.
Regular orthodontic check-ups
During treatment with aligners, regular check-ups are essential. The orthodontist will monitor the progress of the treatment and also check whether diet and daily habits negatively affect the condition of the teeth or the appliance itself.
Summary
Diet during treatment with aligners plays a key role in the success of orthodontic therapy. Proper eating habits help prevent damage to the appliance, minimize the risk of cavities and inflammations, and support the health of teeth. It is worth avoiding staining, hard, and sticky products, while enriching the diet with ingredients that support enamel and gums. Remember that oral hygiene combined with a proper diet is the key to fast and effective treatment.
