Can I Still Get Cavities with Invisalign?

Invisalign is innovative, discreet, easy to care for way to straighten your smile. But though your clear aligners fit securely over your teeth almost like a shield, that doesn’t mean they make them invincible! Here’s why you still need to stay on top of your oral hygiene, even if you have Invisalign!

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign works by moving your teeth gradually with the help of clear aligners that completely cover them while they work. Each aligner is worn for up to two weeks before advancing to a new set which continues guiding your smile in the right direction. Because your trays are removable, Invisalign means you can eat and drink whatever you want during treatment, but brushing and flossing after each meal or non-water beverage is an absolute must. That’s because if you don’t maintain your hygiene, you can dramatically increase your risk of cavities, since all the residue from your meal will be trapped against your teeth with no way to rinse away.

Caring for Your Smile with Invisalign

One of the perks of Invisalign is that there’s no need to buy any special equipment to care for your teeth during treatment. You can brush and floss as you normally would without having to work around wires and brackets, and there’s no extra attachments to keep clean unless you have Invisalign bumps, which are small buttons attached to a few teeth to help hold aligners in place. If you do need these, the great news is that they are quite easy to keep clean but be sure to brush them well as they can become discolored if you don’t.

Remember, unfortunately, while you still can get things like cavities, tooth infections, and gum disease with Invisalign, these conditions are all also very easy to prevent.  Just continue to brush and floss your teeth like you did before treatment but increase the frequency to after each meal or non-water beverage. If you notice any changes in the condition of your oral health while undergoing treatment, speak to your dentist at once, as the need for a restoration such as a crown or filling could require some slight adjustments to your treatment plan.

About Dr. Aguilar

Dr. Jonathan Aguilar earned his undergraduate degree at Boston College and his dental doctorate at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry (now known as Texas A&M College of Dentistry). Today, he is proud to have his own practice right here in Denton, where he can help protect the smiles of his local community. If you are interested in learning more about how Invisalign can help you or your child’s smile, please schedule a consultation with Aguilar Family Dentistry today by visiting our website or calling us at 940-566-5332.