Clear aligners like Invisalign use clear plastic to cover your teeth and gently straighten them over time. Because of this, many patients assume their aligners will protect against cavities, but is that actually true? Continue reading to find out whether cavities can still sneak up on you during your Invisalign treatment and how you can keep your smile healthy.
Do Clear Aligners Protect You from Cavities?
Unfortunately, no. Invisalign aligners themselves don’t protect against tooth decay. In fact, cavities can often sneakily develop during treatment if you don’t practice excellent oral hygiene.
Clear aligners fit snugly against your teeth, potentially trapping sugars and bacteria if your teeth aren’t kept clean. So, while Invisalign can straighten your teeth beautifully, it’s not designed to be a cavity shield.
What Causes Cavities During Invisalign Treatment?
Now that you know you’re not immune to the ravages of dental caries during your treatment, it helps to know how they can occur. Here are some reasons why cavities might form while you’re straightening your smile:
- Improper Cleaning: Not cleaning your aligners or your teeth properly allows bacteria to multiply quickly, leading to tooth decay.
- Eating or Drinking with Aligners: Consuming sugary or acidic drinks with aligners in place traps harmful bacteria against your teeth, increasing cavity risk.
- Skipping Dental Appointments: Regular dental checkups catch cavities early. Skipping appointments can allow these tiny spots of decay to go unnoticed and worsen.
How to Avoid Cavities while Using Invisalign
If you’re nervous about getting cavities in your pearly whites, don’t be! Keeping your teeth cavity-free during Invisalign treatment is simple. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Brush after every meal and always floss before putting aligners back in your mouth this ensures nothing gets trapped for long periods, especially while you sleep.
- Keep Aligners Clean: Gently brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush and rinse them thoroughly each time you remove them. This stops bacteria from transferring to your teeth.
- Remove Aligners Before Eating or Drinking: This simple step dramatically reduces cavity risk, preventing sugary residues from building up on your teeth.
- Keep Up with Dental Visits: Regular cleanings and exams ensure cavities get caught early—or better yet, prevented altogether!
Invisalign offers fantastic results for a straighter smile, but it doesn’t automatically protect against tooth decay. The good news is, with proper oral hygiene and regular dentist visits, you can easily keep your teeth healthy while straightening them.
If you have any questions about cavities or how to care for your teeth during Invisalign treatment, contact your dentist. They’ll help you maintain a healthy smile all the way to the end and beyond!
About the Author
Ready to straighten your smile in Katy? Dr. Adriana Zaharie is an Invisalign expert with over 20 years of experience in dentistry. She is a highly educated professional with a DDS from the University of Antioquia and a DMD from the Advanced Standing Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Call (281) 394-2100 to book an Invisalign consultation at Villagio Family & Cosmetic Dental or visit our website to learn more.