Invisalign is an excellent way to realign your teeth without the conspicuous hardware or eating restrictions that come with braces. However, your teeth will be just as vulnerable to tooth decay as ever while you are wearing clear aligners. Here’s what you need to know about preventing tooth decay with Invisalign and what to do if you ever find a cavity during your treatment.
How Do Cavities Form?
Humans love sugar because it doesn’t just taste good; it is full of chemical energy that is easily processed. Unfortunately, there are large populations of bacteria in the mouth that love it for the same reason. When you consume foods high in sugar like candies or sodas, your mouth becomes coated in food particles and sugary residue. Bacteria consume this sugar and excrete acid as a metabolic byproduct. Acid is one of the worst things for your teeth, and unless you clean them regularly, these bacteria will begin eating their way through your teeth’s enamel, resulting in cavities.
How Can I Get Cavities with Invisalign?
The clear aligners Invisalign uses to realign your smile are customized to fit snugly over either arch of teeth. While this is necessary to push the teeth into better positions, without proper cleaning of both your teeth and aligners, food particles and sugary residue can get stuck between them. This provides bacteria with a warm, damp, safe place with everything they need to reproduce rapidly. The acid they produce will accumulate and begin to erode your enamel and cause cavities.
How Can I Avoid Cavities with Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are to be worn for twenty-two hours every day. They must be removed for hygiene, eating, and drinking (except for water) and rinsed before being replaced. Whenever you remove them for meals or beverages, you must brush your teeth at least thirty minutes after you finish. This will eliminate the food debris that could get stuck between your teeth and your aligners and prevent the accumulation of bacteria that cause tooth decay.
What Should I Do If I Develop a Cavity While Wearing Invisalign?
Cavities will not get better without professional intervention. If you believe you have a cavity due to a black spot or a sharp edge between your teeth, you should see your dentist to confirm that it’s there before placing a filling or some other restoration. Some patients might experience temporary soreness and discomfort when wearing their aligners after having a filling placed. Those who have a larger restoration such as a crown put in may find that the fit of their aligners feels off, but your orthodontic provider can adjust the course of your treatment to correct this if needed.
Cavities can be a setback, but they do not mean you have failed your Invisalign treatment. Keeping up with your hygiene, wearing your aligners as instructed, and communicating clearly with your dentist will keep you on the track to a straighter, more beautiful smile.
About the Practice
Lake Nona Dental Group aims to provide the quality of care you might find at a high-end dental office along with the convenience and personal touch of a small family practice. Led by a team of six dentists, the staff provides compassionate service with cutting-edge technology in a state-of-the-art facility. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to Invisalign treatments. For more information on proper hygiene with Invisalign, contact the Orlando or St. Cloud office online.
