Invisalign aligners can do much to benefit your oral health. By straightening your teeth, they have the potential to reduce your risk of decay, wear and tear on your enamel, and more. But how will they affect your oral health during your treatment. Can you get cavities while wearing Invisalign? Yes, it is possible. This blog post explains how that could happen and provides some tips to help you maintain a strong smile.
How Do Cavities Develop?
Cavities develop when bacteria in the mouth interact with sugars and starches. The bacteria form a biofilm on the teeth known as plaque. Plaque is acidic, and over time, it can wear away at your tooth enamel and cause tiny holes (cavities) to form.
When you are wearing Invisalign aligners, you have a barrier over your teeth. However, since you should remove the aligners during meals, the foods you eat still have an opportunity to interact with your oral bacteria and lead to plaque formation.
In fact, Invisalign might slightly increase your risk of cavities if you place your aligners on your teeth without first observing proper oral hygiene. If you do not brush your teeth and rinse your aligners, you might actually be trapping unwanted particles against your teeth. Since saliva and water will not be able to rinse those particles away, they could have an opportunity to cause significant damage.
Preventing Cavities During Invisalign
The key to preventing cavities during Invisalign treatment is good oral hygiene. You should brush and floss your teeth after each meal and do your best to keep your aligners clean. It is also helpful to use fluoride-containing toothpaste.
Also, keep in mind that your Invisalign appointments are not a substitute for regular preventive appointments with your dentist. Routine exams and cleanings can do much to prevent dental decay.
What if you Develop a Cavity?
If you notice that one of your teeth is extra-sensitive or that you have a small hole in your enamel, you should see your dentist right away. Most cavities can be treated with a filling. The procedure is quick and usually comfortable.
Your dental team will file down the filling so it will have minimal impact on the way your Invisalign fits. However, you may still notice that your aligners feel unusually snug for a while.
Cavities during Invisalign are possible but also preventable. Do your best to care for your teeth so you can have a successful treatment experience.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Zelia Cannon and James Shahinian are proud to provide a broad range of services for the Sparta community. If you have questions about what to expect during Invisalign treatment or how to care for your teeth, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Get in touch with our friendly staff at 973-729-9044.