To date, more than 17 million patients have chosen to straighten their teeth with Invisalign. This is largely because the aligners are clear and custom-made for each patient, ensuring they don’t draw unwanted attention or cause soft tissue irritation. But do they also reduce your risk of tooth decay? If this question has been on your mind, then read on to find out the answer!
So, Can You Get Cavities with Invisalign?
Actually, yes! Since the aligners need to be taken off before eating or drinking anything other than water, your teeth are still exposed to things that cause cavities, like sugar. That’s why it’s so important that you follow all of the treatment guidelines – from cleaning your aligners consistently to brushing your teeth after each meal.
4 Common Warning Signs of Tooth Decay
At your biannual dental visits, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral exam to ensure that cavities are detected and treated as early as possible. Between visits, do your best to keep an eye out for warning signs of decay, like:
- Persistent sensitivity
- Pain when biting down
- Dark discoloration
- Tender, red, or bleeding gums
If these or any other abnormal dental symptoms arise, don’t wait – call your dentist ASAP to schedule an exam. The sooner you do, the sooner they can pinpoint the root of the problem, determine if any restorative care is needed, and alleviate any pain or discomfort you’ve been experiencing.
How To: Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
Fortunately, cavities are largely preventable with the right best practices in place. Here are a few examples:
- Using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush after each meal
- Flossing and rinsing with mouthwash each night before bed
- Limiting your intake of sugary and starchy foods
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports
- Prioritizing your biannual dental checkups and cleanings
- Breaking bad habits, like smoking and chewing on ice cubes
Want to learn more about life with Invisalign? Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They can give you recommendations on everything from the products you should be using to clean your teeth to how to meet the 20+ hour-a-day wear time!
About the Practice
Our team at Gale Ranch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is proud to offer Invisalign so patients can straighten their teeth and align their bite without noticeable brackets and wires. We even use no-mess digital impressions, welcome flexible financing, and are open five days a week so the treatment process is as convenient and stress-free as possible. If you are interested in learning more about clear aligner treatment, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us via our website or by phone at (925) 648-8580.