Invisalign comes with numerous benefits, from discreet aligners and shorter average treatment timelines to no dietary restrictions. But can they also protect your teeth from decay? After all, the trays do cover them entirely. If you’re worried about your oral health or are simply curious, keep reading to learn if you can get cavities during your Invisalign treatment.

So, Is It Possible to Get Cavities During Invisalign Treatment?

Yes, it is possible to get cavities during your Invisalign treatment. The main reason for this is that while your aligners cover your teeth, they need to be removed each time you eat or drink anything other than water. Furthermore, neglecting to brush your teeth before putting your trays back on can cause food particles and bacteria to get trapped against your teeth, increasing your risk for decay.

What Happens If You Get a Cavity?

If you do get a cavity during your Invisalign treatment, then it’s of the utmost importance that you get the proper restorative care. Attempting to postpone care will only make the problem worse. After all, your teeth cannot heal on their own, and the last thing you want is to need a root canal when a simple filling would’ve sufficed if treated in the early stages. Don’t worry – your orthodontist can work with your dentist to ensure as little time as possible is lost. Then, they can help put a plan in place to prevent oral health problems moving forward.

7 Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Decay-Free

If you are prone to cavities, you’ll be happy to know there are a few best practices you can put in place to improve your oral health. Here are seven to implement during your Invisalign treatment:

• Brush your teeth for a full two minutes after each meal.
• Floss daily.
• Rinse your aligners each time you take them out and before you put them back in.
• Use mouthwash for 30-60 seconds at the end of your oral hygiene regimen.
• Clean your aligners both morning and night.
• Visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.
• Keep sugary foods and drinks to a minimum.

At the end of your treatment with Invisalign, you want to see teeth that are perfectly straight and decay-free. Otherwise, you would have stains, cracks, and other flaws plaguing your new and improved smile. To prevent that from happening, prioritize the above best practices and, if you do get a cavity, don’t postpone treatment.

About the Practice

Our team at Simply Orthodontics is here to give you the straight teeth and gorgeous smile you deserve. And the last thing we want is for you to fall off-track with your treatment because of a cavity or two. That’s why we prioritize patient education, especially how to care for your teeth and aligners throughout your treatment. So, if you have a question about your oral hygiene regimen or want to schedule an appointment to start Invisalign, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (603) 437-0331.