Retainers are custom-made orthodontic devices worn after braces or clear aligners to maintain the new alignment of the teeth. This phase of treatment, known as retention, is necessary to prevent the teeth from gradually shifting back to their original positions. Whether you can eat with these devices depends entirely on the type of retainer you have. The general recommendation is to remove them before consuming food or beverages other than water.
The General Rule for Removable Retainers
Removable retainers, such as the clear plastic Essix style or the acrylic and wire Hawley appliance, must be removed before eating any solid food. These devices are not designed to withstand the forces of chewing, which exerts significant pressure on the material. Biting down on hard or crunchy foods can cause the plastic to crack or the wire components of a Hawley retainer to bend out of shape. Additionally, exposure to high temperatures from hot foods or drinks can cause the plastic material to warp, compromising the precise fit and potentially allowing teeth to shift.
The primary concern with eating while wearing a removable retainer is the heightened risk to oral hygiene. When food particles are chewed, they become trapped between the retainer and the teeth, creating a contained environment. This trapping allows sugars and carbohydrates to sit directly against the enamel for an extended period. The plastic prevents the natural cleansing action of saliva, bathing the teeth in a mix of food debris and acid-producing bacteria, which increases the risk of tooth decay and plaque buildup.
Fixed Retainers and Allowed Consumption
Fixed retainers, sometimes called permanent or bonded retainers, consist of a thin wire custom-fitted and cemented to the back surfaces of the front teeth. Since this type cannot be removed, you will naturally eat with it in place, but certain food restrictions apply to prevent mechanical failure. You must avoid hard, sticky, or extremely crunchy items like popcorn kernels, chewing gum, caramel, or nuts. These foods can easily break the adhesive bond or bend the delicate wire, and if the wire is damaged or detached, misalignment can begin immediately, requiring an emergency repair.
Liquid Consumption with Removable Retainers
The only substance generally safe to consume while wearing a removable retainer is plain, cool water. Sugary drinks, fruit juices, sodas, and even flavored sparkling water should be avoided. The liquid seeps under the plastic, concentrating sugar or acid directly onto the teeth, which can lead to enamel erosion and decay. Additionally, pigmented beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine can easily stain the clear plastic material, causing the retainer to become visibly discolored.
Immediate Cleaning and Maintenance Steps
If a removable retainer is taken out for a meal, rinse it immediately with cool or lukewarm water to remove any saliva or loose debris before it dries and hardens. Before reinserting the retainer, you should brush your teeth to ensure no food particles remain trapped against the enamel. If brushing is not possible, vigorously rinsing your mouth with water can help remove the bulk of the food debris.
The retainer itself requires a thorough cleaning daily, ideally with every brushing session. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleaner such as mild dish soap or a specialized retainer solution. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as many contain abrasive particles that can scratch the plastic surface. This scratching creates micro-grooves where bacteria and plaque can accumulate, while consistent, gentle cleaning prevents buildup, odors, and discoloration.