Can You Get a Cavity While Wearing Invisalign?

Cavities are considered to be one of the most common health conditions. They can affect anyone, from kids to adults, but should you worry about them with Invisalign? After all, these trays shield your teeth while you wear them! Although this reasoning may be sound, this isn’t the case. Here’s how decay can sneak up with clear aligners and what you can do to prevent it.

Do I Have to Worry About Cavities with Invisalign?

When it comes to your trays, it’s important to remove them before you eat. After you enjoy your meal, it’s crucial that you brush and floss afterward. This will remove any food debris and, most importantly, plaque from your smile. Bacteria can still linger between your teeth and aligners, meaning they can cause a cavity if you don’t clean them off in time. So, you might have to be more diligent about decay when it comes to your orthodontic treatment.

How Can My Dentist Fix Cavities During Invisalign?

With that said, your dentist is here to help if you do form this oral health issue. They will remove it and put in a filling in its place. This restoration often doesn’t cause any problems with Invisalign, but other ones might pose a unique challenge. If you notice a cavity forming, then get it seen right away; that way, you avoid delaying your straighter grin.

What Can I Do to Prevent Cavities?

No matter what, it’s best to be ahead of this dental problem and prevent it in the first place. The good news is that all it takes is adding a couple of simple things to your aligner routine. Here are some tips to follow:

• Brush and floss after eating. Use fluoride toothpaste to fortify your enamel against bacteria.
• Clean your aligners at least once a day to remove any plaque that might’ve transferred. Doing this after every meal is even better.
• Limit sugary and starchy foods.
• Only drink water while you have your trays in.

In the end, don’t forget to have checkups with your dentist! They will want to ensure your progress is going smoothly, but they will also watch out for any red flags. If anything is worrying, you can get the prompt treatment you need for a stronger smile and get back on track with your healthier bite.

About the Practice

At DeMartino Dental Group, our team is proud to serve patients in Phillipsburg with comprehensive, compassionate dental care, like Invisalign. Whether you’re mid-treatment or just starting to explore your options, Dr. Jeffrey DeMartino and Dr. Nélida Garcia-DeMartino are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful grin every step of the way. If you have any questions about your treatment, schedule an appointment or call our office at (908) 859–5260.