Diet during overlay treatment – ​​why is it so important?

Orthodontic treatment with overlay braces is an increasingly popular method of correcting malocclusions. Invisalign and other overlay braces offer many advantages, such as greater discretion and wearing comfort, but due to their specificity, they require an appropriate diet - as it plays a key role in maintaining oral health and the effectiveness of the braces themselves. From this text you will learn:

• Why is a proper diet during treatment with overlay braces so important?
• What food products should be avoided to make the treatment process go smoothly and be as comfortable as possible?
• How can daily habits support orthodontic treatment?

The influence of diet on overlay braces. Why is it worth paying attention to your diet?

Overlay braces are made of transparent plastics that can be easily deformed or stained by certain foods and drinks. During treatment, your diet can directly affect the condition of the braces themselves, as well as the health of your teeth and gums.

Avoiding staining foods and drinks. Coffee and braces

One of the main problems related to diet during aligner treatment is the risk of discoloration of the braces. Although they are removed when eating, remnants of staining products can settle on the teeth and affect the appearance of the aligners and teeth. Particularly dyeing foods and drinks include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Fruit juices (especially cherry, berry)
• Curry and other spices with intense colors

A diet rich in these products may cause teeth to discolor, which in turn will affect the aesthetics of treatment. Additionally, color changes in the aligners may be difficult to remove, compromising the aesthetics of the aligners.

Principles of proper nutrition while wearing overlay braces

Brushing your teeth regularly after meals

One of the key elements of orthodontic treatment is maintaining proper oral hygiene. Overlay braces require regular tooth brushing after each meal. Food remains can settle between the teeth, which contributes to the formation of caries and inflammation of the gums. Therefore, it is important to brush your teeth thoroughly after each meal and floss before putting your aligners back on.

Avoiding hard and sticky foods

Some foods can cause damage to your braces. Hard products such as nuts, hard vegetables (carrots, raw beets) and sweets (candy, hard candies), eaten while wearing the aligners, may contribute to deformation or cracks of the aligners. In turn, sticky products such as chewing gum, caramels or dried fruit may stick to the teeth and make it difficult to clean them thoroughly. Please remember that the overlays must be removed when eating, because eating with them easily leads to cracks and deformation of the overlays, which may result in ineffective treatment. Hard food may also increase tooth pain and the discomfort felt in the first stages of treatment.

A healthy diet to support dental health

During treatment with overlays, it is worth paying attention to products that support the health of teeth and gums. A diet rich in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D helps maintain strong teeth. You should also ensure an adequate amount of protein and healthy fats, which support tissue regeneration.
Products worth including in your diet are:

• Dairy (milk, yoghurt, cheese)
• Fish (especially high in omega-3, like salmon)
• Leafy vegetables (spinach, kale)
• Nuts and seeds
• Eggs

What to avoid during treatment with overlay braces?

Sweet drinks and sweets

Sugars are the main enemy of healthy teeth. During treatment with overlay braces, 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 braces can retain these acids on the teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

What sweets can you eat with braces?

During overlay treatment, it is best to limit the consumption of sweet products. However, if you want something sweet, it is worth choosing products that are not sticky and sticky, because they may stick to the overlay and damage it. Remember to always remove your braces when eating or drinking.

Sour products

Acidic foods such as citrus fruits, vinegar and soda can weaken tooth enamel. When wearing overlays, 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 your mouth

Drinking plenty of water not only helps maintain your overall health, but also supports your oral hygiene. Water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that might settle on your teeth or aligners. It is a good practice to rinse your mouth with water after each meal, especially if you cannot brush your teeth immediately. 

Regular check-ups with the orthodontist

During treatment with overlay braces, regular check-ups are necessary. The orthodontist will monitor the progress of treatment and check whether diet and daily habits do not negatively affect the condition of the teeth or the braces themselves.

Summary

Diet during aligner treatment plays a key role in the success of orthodontic treatment. Appropriate eating habits help prevent damage to braces, minimize the risk of caries and inflammation, and support dental health. It is worth avoiding coloring, hard and sticky products, and at the same time enriching your diet with ingredients that support enamel and gums. Remember that taking care of your oral hygiene, combined with a proper diet, is the key to quick and effective treatment.