Dental Articles - Etobicoke

Invisalign is a popular way to straighten teeth. The clear aligners are almost invisible, comfortable, and you can take them out. This makes them a handy choice instead of metal braces. But many people wonder: Can you still get cavities with Invisalign?

The short answer is yes, you can. In fact, your chance of getting cavities might even go up if you're not careful.

Let's look at why cavities can happen when you use Invisalign and how to stop them.

Why Invisalign Can Cause Cavities

One good thing about Invisalign is that you can take the aligners out to eat and clean your teeth. But you wear the aligners for most of the day—about 20 to 22 hours. If there's any food, sugar, or plaque left on your teeth when you put the aligners back in, it gets stuck inside.

When you don't clean your teeth well, this creates a perfect spot for cavities to form. Here's why:

• Plaque and bacteria get trapped under the aligners.
• Saliva (which helps clean your teeth naturally) can't reach your tooth enamel.
• Sugar and acid from food or drinks can stay on your teeth longer.

Habits That Raise Your Cavity Risk

Some common habits during Invisalign treatment can make cavities more likely:

• Not brushing and flossing before putting your aligners back in.
• Drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners.
• Missing dental checkups or cleanings.
• Not cleaning your aligners every day.

Remember: The aligners themselves don't cause cavities. But poor cleaning habits while using them can lead to problems.

How to Prevent Cavities with Invisalign

The good news is you can easily avoid cavities with a few simple habits. Here's how to keep your teeth safe:

Brush and floss after every meal

Make sure your teeth are clean before you put your aligners back in. This helps get rid of bacteria and any leftover food.

Only drink water with your aligners in

Sugary or acidic drinks like juice, soda, or coffee can cause tooth decay, especially if they get trapped under your aligners.

Clean your aligners daily

Rinse them and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush, or use special Invisalign cleaning crystals. Don't use hot water, as it can warp the plastic.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water all day helps rinse away food bits and keeps your mouth clean.

Visit your dentist regularly

Keep up with your checkups and cleanings every six months, or as often as your dentist suggests.

Protect Your Smile During Invisalign

Yes, you can get cavities during Invisalign treatment, but you can definitely prevent them with the right care. By brushing, flossing, and cleaning your aligners properly, you can stay on track with your smile goals and avoid any issues along the way.

Have questions or need to book a dental checkup?

Call us at Aqua Dental Care in Etobicoke at 416-496-1726. We're here to help you keep your mouth healthy throughout your Invisalign journey.

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Dentist Etobicoke