Invisalign has taken the world of dentistry by storm! These awesome aligners can comfortably and discreetly correct crooked teeth and give you a straighter and much more beautiful smile! While these trays can do a lot for your teeth, you might be wondering if they can also actively prevent you from getting cavities. Keep reading to learn more about how you can still unfortunately develop cavities during your Invisalign treatment if you aren’t careful, along with some tips for preventing it.
Is It Possible to Get Cavities During Invisalign Treatment?
The short answer is yes, it is absolutely possible to get cavities during your Invisalign treatment. Even though on the surface it might seem like your aligners can offer some protection against oral bacteria, the problem is that you must remove them whenever it’s time to eat! As a result, your teeth are exposed to food particles and debris that can easily become stuck if you aren’t diligent about oral hygiene. In fact, neglecting your oral care during Invisalign treatment can greatly increase the likelihood of cavities forming, as bacteria can remain trapped under your aligners for hours and hours at a time.
Tips for Preventing Cavities During Your Invisalign Treatment
Fortunately, cavities are largely preventable whether you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment or not. That said, consider the following to ensure that your treatment isn’t affected or derailed by troublesome cavities:
- Brush your teeth twice every day for 2 – 3 minutes each time. Use circular, scrubbing motions and hold your soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree-angle to your gumline.
- Floss every day and consider using an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Remove your aligners to eat or drink anything; the only exception to this rule is water.
- Try to limit your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages.
- Rinse your aligners after removing them from your mouth and before replacing them.
- Visit your dentist for biannual checkups and cleanings.
- Adhere to the mandatory 22-hour wear time; prolonging your overall treatment process can increase the likelihood of cavities developing.
If you do develop a cavity or are starting to experience symptoms including pain when biting down or gum inflammation, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. The sooner you seek treatment, the less likely the cavity will grow or develop into an even more serious oral health concern.
Invisalign is an incredible advancement in modern dentistry; however, it isn’t meant to actively shield you from cavities! That falls on you; but with regular oral hygiene and adherence to your Invisalign treatment’s guidelines, you can ensure that a straighter, gorgeous smile free of any cavities is delivered to you.
About the Author
Dr. Greg Friedman has over 30 years of experience in dentistry and is proud to serve patients and families in the Scripps Ranch area! Dr. Friedman completed his dental doctorate at Washington University’s School of Dentistry and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If you have any questions about Invisalign or would like to set up an appointment, feel free to reach out through Dr. Friedman’s website or by phone: (858) 682-2394.
