Your new Invisalign aligners cover your teeth and even seem like a shield against anything touching them, but that doesn’t mean that they can protect you from cavities and tooth decay. In fact, if you don’t properly clean your teeth, wearing aligners could actually increase your risk of dental problems. Here’s how neglecting your oral health during Invisalign treatment could spell trouble for your teeth, and what you can do to prevent it.
The Dangers of Dirty Teeth
Failing to clean your teeth under normal circumstances can leave them vulnerable to cavities, gum disease, and infection. But when you skip this step during Invisalign treatment, things can go from bad to worse. That’s because when you wear aligners, you are blocking saliva from rinsing away debris and basically trapping it against your teeth for hours at a time. This allows bacteria plenty of time to proliferate and create plaque acid that eats away at your teeth.
How to Prevent Cavities with Invisalign
Preventing cavities with Invisalign requires no special effort beyond what you would normally do without aligners. You simply need to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything but water, and then brush and floss your teeth each time you eat and before you put them back in. Don’t try to save time by eating with them still in your mouth, as this can make chewing difficult and can even damage or stain them.
Furthermore, be sure to keep your aligners clean. Rinse them well each time you remove them and take them out to clean them at least once a day. You can do this by gently brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste and then rinsing them off. You can even soak them in a retainer soak if you choose.
Remember, while your Invisalign aligners do cover your teeth and keep outside matter from touching them while you’re wearing them, they cannot protect your teeth from plaque and debris that were already there before you put them on. Thus, it is of the utmost importance that you keep your teeth clean while wearing them. This will help you avoid cavities and keep your teeth and gums healthy for the duration of your treatment.
About Our Practice
At 21st Century Dental of Irving, our highly skilled dental team is here to make you smile. We strive to ensure that you always feel comfortable and safe in our practice, and that you never feel like you’re just another number. We are proud to provide a variety of dental treatments, ranging from general cleanings and checkups to cosmetic procedures and even Invisalign.
To schedule an Invisalign consultation, please visit our website today or call us at 972-255-3712.