Invisalign is a wonderful way for many people to straighten their smiles without the conspicuous irremovable metal parts and inconvenient dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. However, improper oral hygiene can set Invisalign patients up for preventable dental infections that cause costly delays in their treatments. Here’s a brief guide to how cavities can happen when wearing Invisalign and how you can protect your teeth from stains and decay.
How Does Invisalign Straighten Teeth?
Invisalign realigns a patient’s smile through a customized sequence of clear aligners specially designed to snugly fit their teeth. When the patient wears their aligners, the devices will exert the constant pressure necessary to gradually push the teeth into healthier positions.
However, the treatment requires much discipline from the patient since they’ll have to wear their aligners for at least twenty hours each day. The aligners must be removed for oral hygiene sessions and when eating or drinking anything but water. Every two weeks or so, the patient will need to switch to the next set of aligners in their sequence to make sure their teeth keep shifting as intended.
How Can Cavities Happen During Invisalign Treatment?
Cavities are dental infections caused by harmful bacteria eroding a section of enamel. Luckily, the populations of these germs can be controlled with proper oral hygiene and the mouth’s natural cleaning process, but bacteria and bits of food trapped between the teeth and the aligners will be sheltered from the saliva that would help wash them away. Failing to clean your teeth properly before wearing your Invisalign aligners can allow dental infections like these to progress uninhibited, which leads to cavities and stains.
If a patient develops tooth decay during Invisalign treatment, the process may have to be delayed so the infection can be addressed. If new aligners must be manufactured afterward, the cost of these additional appliances will be noted on the patient’s bill.
How Can Cavities Be Prevented During Invisalign Treatment?
Since Invisalign clear aligners are easy to remove, they allow patients to practice oral hygiene normally without worrying about working around the metal parts of traditional braces. However, it is crucial to thoroughly brush and floss each time before putting your aligners in. This will prevent plaque and food residue being protected by the aligners as well as the nasty infections they can cause.
Don’t let preventable infections diminish the results of your Invisalign treatment. Adhering to your dentist’s instructions will help you keep your realignment process smooth and complication-free.
About the Author
Dr. Xhelo Shuaipaj earned his dental degree at the Loyola University College of Dental Surgery and holds a Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is also a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Illinois Dental Society, and the Chicago Dental Society. His offices in Downers Grove and Lemont offer general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To learn more about Invisalign, contact his practice online.