As a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a great way to achieve a straighter smile. Though it can correct a number of oral health issues, it’s important to take care of your teeth to keep new ones from developing during your treatment. Many patients wonder if it’s possible to develop cavities during Invisalign in Hillsboro. Continue reading to find out!
Can You Get Cavities During Invisalign Treatment?
Just like with every other tooth straightening method, cavities are still a possibility during your treatment. While your Invisalign aligners may seem like a “shield” over your teeth protecting them from harm, that doesn’t mean you can get lazy with your oral hygiene routine. In fact, you may actually be more likely to develop cavities with Invisalign if you’re not careful. This is because if you don’t take care to properly clean your mouth before you put in your aligners after eating, you can trap food behind them, which allows cavity-causing bacteria to thrive.
What to Do If You Get a Cavity During Invisalign Treatment
If you think you’ve developed a cavity during Invisalign treatment, reach out to your dentist as soon as you can to have it checked out. They will be able to fill it or give you another form of treatment before it becomes too severe. It’s important to have cavities treated right away rather than waiting until your Invisalign treatment is over so they don’t cause complications.
How to Avoid Cavities During Invisalign Treatment
Though it’s possible to fix cavities that form during Invisalign treatment, it’s best to prevent them from developing in the first place. Here are some ways you can reduce your chances of getting them:
- Clean your trays properly: Stained aligners make your teeth appear discolored and will also increase your risk of tooth decay. Make sure to brush and soak your aligners regularly to eliminate any bacteria that may be growing on them.
- Brush your teeth: It’s incredibly important to brush your teeth after you eat and before you put your aligners back in. This will make you less likely to develop cavities and keep your Invisalign clean, too.
- Keep up with your oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice per day and flossing at least once is the best way to prevent food and harmful bacteria from getting trapped in your aligners and leading to cavities. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your mouth, and use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your tooth enamel.
- See your dentist on a regular basis: Even if you’re really diligent about brushing and flossing your teeth, you should continue to see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. They will be able to make sure your dental health is still in excellent shape and clear away any buildups of plaque, tartar, and cavity-causing bacteria.
While wearing Invisalign doesn’t put you at a lower risk for developing cavities, it’s an excellent way to get a straighter, healthier looking smile. Combine this with proper oral health care, and you’ll have a bragworthy smile before you know it!
About the Author
At Wolfe Dental, Dr. Ben Wolfe, Dr. Brian Bardeloza, Dr. Curtis Wahlen, and their Hillsboro team take pride in caring for patients and administering quality, effective treatments. They aim to establish long-lasting relationships and are experts at helping patients straighten their smiles with Invisalign treatment. It you want more information about whether Invisalign is right for you or are interested in making an appointment, visit Wolfe Dental’s website or call their office at (713) 781-6873.