Barely noticeable, Invisalign trays can appear so snug against teeth that nothing could get in between them. Maybe you even think you can wear them as you eat, but if you do, the aligners will scratch, stain, and become more visible. When you remove them, your teeth become just as exposed to cavities as they are without aligners; in fact, they are more vulnerable during treatment.
Without a doubt, cavities during Invisalign treatment are possible, but if you learn the following information, you can make it through your plan with fewer interruptions, complications, or cavities.
How Can I Get Cavities While on Invisalign Treatment?
At first glance, the aligners can seem to serve as a barrier or shield, but oral bacteria are microscopic and have the most freedom after you’ve eaten and at night while you sleep. If you have just a little snack without brushing and flossing your teeth before putting your aligners back in, you’ve trapped food particles against your teeth. Oral bacteria can then feast on these particles and create acids that erode your tooth enamel. Even when you drink water, because of the Invisalign aligners, it won’t rinse your teeth, increasing your risk of cavities.
Why Should I Avoid Getting Cavities During Invisalign Treatment?
You never want to have a cavity, but it can be particularly troublesome while you’re on Invisalign. Not only do you need to take time in your schedule to have the cavity treated, but you also must worry about the filling or crown possibly interfering with your Invisalign plan. More likely than not, your restoration will not perfectly resemble the previous natural tooth structure, which means your dentist will need to take new impressions and revamp your aligners; otherwise, they won’t fit properly and you won’t get the results you want!
How Can I Avoid Getting Cavities During Invisalign Treatment?
Fortunately, preventing cavities while you have Invisalign aligners is rather simple. Every time you eat or drink something other than water, you take out your aligners, and you must brush and floss your teeth prior to repositioning them in your mouth. These little habits clear away feed debris and oral bacteria and give your teeth a clean slate. Keep in mind, however, that you should continue your normal evening and morning routine for oral hygiene because sleep provides a long time for bacteria to find your teeth and settle in. In addition to your teeth, make sure you take the time to rinse and clean your aligners throughout the day to reduce the impact of bacteria-filled plaque.
Battling cavities is a lifelong pursuit, and when you have Invisalign aligners, you need to step up your game. Diligent care can help you stay on track with your plan and get you the beautiful, functional straight smile you’ve always wanted.
About the Practice
Joining Dr. Gabriel Nossa, Dr. Jessica McIlvaine shares a love of ongoing education and improvement to help our patients receive the best care. In fact, both dedicate many hours every year to advanced training coursework. They also believe that little touches can make a huge difference in the patient’s experience, which is why they go above and beyond in every appointment to make you feel comfortable and welcome. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, contact us online or call our Gainesville practice at 352-332-8133.