Can You Get Cavities During Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment amongst older teens and adults because it is a discreet solution to misalignment issues. The treatment involves wearing a series of clear aligners to slowly shift the teeth into their rightful locations. Since you are constantly wearing plastic trays over your teeth, you may be wondering if Invisalign protects against tooth decay. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Continue reading to learn more!

How Do Cavities Occur During Invisalign?

No matter which orthodontic solution you get, it is still possible for you to develop cavities. Just because you are wearing clear aligners doesn’t change the fact that you need to practice excellent oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay. When you are wearing aligners and aren’t cleaning your smile thoroughly, harmful bacteria and food debris can become trapped against your teeth, ultimately raising your risk of decay!

What Happens If You Get a Cavity During Invisalign?

If you end up with a cavity during your Invisalign treatment, you should see your dentist right away. It is important to catch this type of issue early on to prevent the problem from worsening. Dentists can usually restructure the size and shape of your tooth by using your aligners to shape the filling. This will eliminate the need for you to have new aligners made to fit properly.

How Do You Avoid Cavities During Invisalign?

Here are some of the ways that you can reduce your risk of tooth decay during your Invisalign treatment.

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene: This is the best way to maintain good oral health. When you brush and floss thoroughly after you eat and drink, you are preventing food and harmful bacteria from becoming trapped in your aligners.
• Keep Your Trays Clean: You don’t want to show off stained aligners. Having dirty trays increases your risk of tooth decay. Make sure to brush and soak your aligners regularly to limit the number of bacteria lingering on them.
• See your dentist: You should still continue to see your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups during your treatment to ensure that your oral health is still in good shape. Having your teeth cleaned will help to clear away plaque and cavity-causing bacteria.

Having Invisalign will not protect you from cavities, but by using the tips listed above, you can lower your risk and keep your smile healthy!

About the Author

Dr. Proshat Shahrestany has been working in the dental field for over two decades! She earned her dental doctorate from the UCLA School of Dentistry and has studied a wide variety of specialty services, including Invisalign Clear Braces, Six Months Smiles, cosmetic dentistry, and more! To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule an appointment at her office in Studio City, visit her website or call (818) 760-0200.