Invisalign aligners place a barrier around your teeth. At first, you might think that could serve as a protection against plaque, decay, and cavities. The truth is, though, that cavities can develop at any time, even during Invisalign treatment! In this blog post, you will learn how that can happen and what you can do to protect your smile.
How Cavities Form During Invisalign Treatment
Cavities form when oral bacteria interact with sugars and starches in your mouth. As the bacteria feed, they multiply and form a sticky biofilm known as plaque, which clings to your teeth. Plaque is acidic, so it can wear away at your tooth enamel and eventually cause tiny holes (cavities) to form.
Unfortunately, Invisalign does not interfere with this process. In fact, since you are required to remove your aligners when you eat, your teeth will still be exposed to sugars, starches, and bacteria.
Plus, if you are not diligent about oral hygiene, your aligners might trap bacteria and food particles against your teeth. This could actually increase your risk of cavities.
How You Can Prevent Cavities During Invisalign Treatment
You can minimize your risk of cavities during Invisalign treatment by adhering to some simple oral hygiene practices:
- Brush your teeth and floss thoroughly after each meal and before you place your aligners back in your mouth. This will remove food particles and reduce the fuel for harmful oral bacteria.
- Keep your aligners clean by rinsing them after each meal. You should also thoroughly clean them at least once a day with a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleaning solution. Regular soaking with Invisalign crystals is also recommended.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away food particles and encourage saliva production.
- Never eat or drink anything other than water while wearing your aligners, since this could cause food to become trapped and increase your risk of decay.
- Be mindful of how much sugar you consume. Instead, try to eat mostly nutritious foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings, which will allow your dental team to monitor your oral health and provide preventive care as needed.
What You Should Do If You Suspect You Have a Cavity
If you notice symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, pain, visible holes, or dark spots on your teeth during Invisalign treatment, do not ignore them. These may be signs that a cavity is developing. You should schedule an appointment with your general dentist as soon as possible to have your teeth examined.
Your dentist will assess your teeth and determine the extent of the decay. If you do have a cavity, your dentist may recommend a filling or other restorative treatment. A filling can be shaped so it is flush with your natural tooth structure, meaning that it should have little to no effect on the fit of your Invisalign aligners.
Invisalign is a wonderful treatment, but it will not protect you from cavities! Take good care of your teeth so you can maintain a healthy smile throughout your time with clear aligners and well into the future.
Meet the Practice
At Serenity Orthodontics in Cumming, we are pleased to offer Invisalign and a range of other treatments. We are always happy to explain the pros and cons of the services we provide, and we can coach you throughout treatment to help you enjoy a smooth and complication-free journey. To learn more about how we may be able to assist you, contact our Braselton office at 678-879-3006.