Eating with aligners: taking them out every meal vs. snacking less

- Same here, I honestly just stopped snacking as much.
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“Do I really want to go through the whole process for a handful of crackers?”

“Do I really want to go through the whole process for a handful of crackers?”

That’s exactly the calculation I find myself running every time I get the urge to snack. It’s almost like my brain’s developed a background process for cost-benefit analysis: Is this snack worth the removal, rinse, brush, and re-insertion? Usually, the answer is no. I used to be a serial grazer, but now, unless it’s a main meal or a treat I really want, I just skip it. The friction’s high enough that it’s changed my whole approach to food.

I agree with you about floss picks being handy. I keep a few in my laptop bag, but sometimes I just feel like they’re not getting everything. Maybe it’s psychological, but unless I can use my electric toothbrush, my mouth never feels totally clean. Mouthwash is a decent fallback, but I get what you mean - it’s more of a stopgap than a real solution.

One thing I didn’t expect: my productivity actually improved a bit. I used to get up for snacks as a way to procrastinate when coding, but now I just push through instead of dealing with the aligner routine. It’s a weird side effect, but not unwelcome.

On the grocery bill point, I noticed the same. Less impulse buying, fewer random snack foods... If you’re tracking expenses, it’s actually kind of interesting to see those numbers drop. The only downside is I’ve become hyper-aware of how much effort goes into basic things like coffee breaks or even chewing gum. It’s wild how something so simple suddenly requires all this planning.

I do miss just grabbing a handful of nuts or crackers without thinking, though. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll go back to old habits once the aligners are off, or if this will stick. Anyone else feel like their whole relationship with food shifted after starting treatment?

“Is this snack worth the removal, rinse, brush, and re-insertion? Usually, the answer is no.”

This hits home - my kid used to be a total snacker, and now it’s like every bite has to be scheduled. At first, I worried it’d be too much hassle, but honestly, the “friction” has cut down on mindless eating. I do miss the spontaneity for them, though. It’s weird seeing a 12-year-old plan out apple slices like a military operation... but I guess it’s not the worst habit shift. Still, I sometimes wish it didn’t have to be so complicated just for a granola bar.

I totally get this. My kiddo’s snacks used to be a free-for-all, and now it’s like “Is it worth the aligner hassle?” nine times a day. I do worry about them sneaking bites here and there, but honestly, less snacking probably isn’t the worst thing. Still feels weird that eating an orange requires a five-step process... It’s a lot for a kid.

I hear you - it really does turn snack time into a whole production. My daughter started weighing if a cookie was worth the “aligner shuffle.” She’s snacking less, but I get worried too about the sneaky bites. It’s not easy for kids to adjust, honestly. Sometimes I wonder if I’m being too strict, but then again…less sugar isn’t hurting anyone either.