Invisalign aligners are some of the most popular ways to straighten teeth, and their incredible convenience has garnered them fans from all walks of life. However, some patients see how easy it is to wear Invisalign aligners and figure that they don’t have to worry much about taking care of their oral health. After all, if you have a plastic tray on your teeth, why do you have to worry about tooth decay?
As it turns out, that kind of thinking can be really detrimental. Here’s why.
Can I Get Cavities If I Have Invisalign Aligners?
While it would certainly be nice not to have to worry about tooth decay, the fact is that taking care of your teeth is still important while getting orthodontic treatment, if not more so than usual.
While you’ll be wearing your aligners anywhere from 20-22 hours a day, you’ll still be taking them off to eat. If you don’t properly brush and floss after meals, these trays can actually trap food particles against your teeth, causing serious problems for your overall oral health. In some cases, this can lead to cavities.
What Happened If I Get Cavities During Invisalign Treatment?
As you can imagine, Invisalign aligners put a fair amount of stress on your teeth as they move them into place. If you have a cavity, this can be more than a little bit uncomfortable. That’s why most dentists will fill any cavities you have before beginning Invisalign treatment.
If you develop cavities during orthodontic treatment, you’ll either have to deal with this discomfort or take time out of your busy schedule to get fillings, spending even more time and money on your teeth.
How to Prevent Cavities During Invisalign Treatment
If you want to keep yourself free of tooth decay for the duration of Invisalign treatment, it’s important to keep up with dental hygiene as much as possible. For one, it’s strongly recommended that you clean up after every meal before putting your aligners back on. This means brushing and flossing your teeth, then gently brushing your aligner as well. Keep up with this routine and you should be able to get through Invisalign treatment without much effort.
About the Author
Dr. Tonie Lewis has been in dentistry for over 15 years, and there’s still nothing that she loves more than being able to make her patients smile! She takes a gentle but comprehensive approach to care, ensuring that every patient she sees leaves her office happier and healthier. Dr. Lewis received her degree from the Howard University College of Dentistry, and she is currently a member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.
If you have any questions about Invisalign, she can be reached at her website or by phone at 972-954-9728.