Influence of diet on change in color and roughness of orthodontic aligners: A longitudinal study

Abstract Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of diet on color change and roughness of orthodontic aligners (OAs) during the initial 6 months of treatment. Materials and Methods Twenty patients treated with orthodontic aligners (OAs) (Invisalign Align Technology Santa Clara, California, USA) who met the following criteria were included in the study: between 13 and 35 years of age, both sexes, Angle Class I malocclusion, moderate lower anterior crowding, and non-extraction treatment. The exchange of pairs of upper and lower aligners was performed every 10 days. To assess the color stability and roughness of the aligners, the buccal surface of the tooth 11 was cut and analyzed in a series of 12 non-consecutive aligners used by 20 patients for 10 days (n = 20), over the initial 6 months of treatment. To verify the change in color and roughness, the Friedman test was used. The correlation between variables was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient, with a significance level of 5%. Results When the correlation between dietary issues and changes in color and roughness was verified, it was found that patients who ate acidic foods, such as coffee, wine, soda and juice, showed greater color changes (p < 0.05) and roughness in the OA (p < 0.05). Intake of acidic fruits showed a significant correlation only with color change at months 3, 4 and 5. Conclusion The acidic and pigment-rich diet contributed to the change in color and increase roughness of the orthodontic aligners. Clinical Significance It is recommended that patients remove the OA for their meals, in order to maintain the aesthetic characteristics of the appliances and an efficient standard of hygiene.