While traditional braces are bonded to the front-facing surface of your teeth, clear aligners cover them completely, essentially acting as a clear shield. But does that mean that you can’t get cavities during your Invisalign treatment? Keep reading to find out!
So, Can You Get Cavities During Invisalign Treatment?
Yes! After all, your aligners need to be removed before eating or drinking anything (other than water). In other words, your teeth are still exposed to the number one culprit of decay: sugar. Remember, the development of tooth decay will bring your Invisalign treatment to a temporary stop too, so it’s important that you do what you can to protect your smile.
6 Habits That Will Help Prevent Cavities
Fortunately, cavities are largely preventable with the right best practices in place. That includes:
- Brushing your teeth after each meal and snack
- Replacing your toothbrush every quarter
- Flossing each morning or evening
- Rinsing with an anti-microbial mouthwash each day
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports (or a nightguard if you have Bruxism)
- Scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning every six months
The Importance of Routine Checkups and Cleanings
Patients often wait until their gums are bleeding or their tooth hurts to reach out to their dentist. By that time, the damage is already done. The key to maintaining a healthy smile is prioritizing preventive care, like routine dental checkups. That way, your dentist can detect (and treat!) cavities early on.
It’s also worth noting that the tools your dental hygienist uses during the cleaning portion of your visit are the only ones that can remove built-up plaque and tartar. In other words, your routine visits help prevent common oral health problems too!
Ultimately, it is possible to develop cavities during your Invisalign treatment. So, don’t let your oral hygiene regimen take a back seat! Instead, make good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing consistently, a priority.
About the Practice
In addition to providing routine checkups and cleanings, our team at Dentistry for Life offers a wide range of smile-enhancing services, including Invisalign. Not only that, but we use safe, digital X-rays, we welcome dental insurance, and we offer convenient appointment times throughout the week. So, keeping your smile healthy and happy is easier than ever before! If you want to schedule your first Invisalign consultation or you need to get your next checkup on the calendar, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (717) 569-3911.