Can You Wear Aligners with Cavities? FAQ Guide

Q: Do Clear Aligners Increase Risk of Cavities? Can Aligners Cause Cavities?

No. Neither clear aligners, braces, or any other orthodontic treatment will directly cause cavities, nor will they directly exacerbate the risk of them happening. However, clear aligners will demand an extra level of oral hygiene diligence; even though using a trustworthy tool is important, it’s even more important to utilize that tool responsibly.

Worried About

How A Cavity Can Affect Your Candidacy for Invisalign Treatment?

Cavities are a common issue. They affect 57% of teens and 90% of adults over 20, according to the CDC. If you’re considering clear aligners and fall into these statistics, you might be wondering how this could impact your treatment.

The cavity risk with clear aligners is a valid concern. Clear aligners can lead to cavities if not managed properly. However, maintaining good oral hygiene can help mitigate this risk. Regularly cleaning your aligners and maintaining your oral hygiene routine is essential.

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Wondering about cavities and clear aligner treatment? Refer to our FAQ manual for more information.

Can You Get Aligners

If You Have A Cavity?

Managing Cavities During Aligner Treatment is crucial. You can get aligners with an open cavity. However, it's not the most optimal selection. Driving a car with a broken exhaust is like.

The health of your teeth is important. You should address any cavities first. Clear aligner therapy allows for cavity treatment.

If your Invisalign trays aren't fitting post-treatment, there's no need for concern. Replacements are usually available at a minimal cost. Remember, proper care of your teeth is a priority. So, always ensure to manage cavities undergoing Invisalign treatment.

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Do Clear Aligners

Increase Risk of Cavities? Can Aligners CAUSE Cavities?

No. Neither clear aligners , braces , or any other orthodontic treatment will directly cause cavities, nor will they directly exacerbate the risk of them happening. However, clear aligners will demand an extra level of oral hygiene diligence; even though using a trustworthy tool is important, it’s even more important to utilize that tool responsibly.

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Cavities can be one problematic nuisance, with or without clear aligners. But that nuisance can be addressed by the “Three Cs”:

Care
Compliance
Cleanliness

To protect your teeth and aligner trays, prioritize dental hygiene and cleanliness. Orthodontic appliances like aligners or braces can indirectly affect dental health, but they don't directly cause or prevent cavities. Your responsibility is key in cavity prevention.

What Happens If

You Get A Cavity with Aligners?

Your orthodontist will address any existing open cavities before starting clear aligner therapy. But what if you develop a new cavity during treatment?

If a cavity forms during treatment, it takes priority. We need to fill or restore it right away.

If the filling changes the tooth’s shape a lot, the orthodontist may have to change the treatment plan. This is to keep the original fit.

Prompt response is crucial in these situations. This includes taking new impressions or scans.

Remember, it's essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy. You should brush your teeth for at least “22 hours” a day to prevent gum disease.

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How to Avoid

Cavities with Aligners?

Preventing cavities with aligners is no different from doing so without them. Maintaining a healthy smile is an ongoing effort. Staying committed to care, compliance, and cleanliness (the 3 C's) is key to reducing the risk of cavities.

To maintain due oral hygiene diligence, you should:

Brush 2-3 times a day, for two minutes a day (per ADA recommendations)
Floss each tooth, incorporating a Waterpik or interdental brush for good measure
Gargle saltwater and/or mouthwash for at least 30 seconds to promote disinfection

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Beyond those basic care routines, the following steps can also help you minimize the risk of developing cavities and tooth decay:

Limit sugary/acidic beverages: To protect your teeth, limit or avoid sweetened coffee, tea, soda, beer, and processed juice as they can lead to prolonged wear.
Drinking tap water: Option for tap water over bottled, as it contains enamel-strengthening fluoride. Use a Brita filter if needed for better quality.
Stop smoking: Tobacco stains teeth and raises decay risk by receding gums. Quitting is the best way to eliminate this cavity risk.
Limit snacking or sipping: Frequent sugary snacks not only pose cavity risks but also affect your treatment compliance. To ensure a smoother smile journey, reduce your intake of sweets.
Switching toothpaste brand: If you’re not already using a brand of toothpaste that contains fluoride, then you should switch to one that does.
Brushing your tongue: Billions of mouth harmful bacteria can use your tongue as a breeding ground. To reduce bacterial buildup, remember to brush your tongue.
Regular dental visits: Don’t neglect getting your regular deeper cleaning from your dentist, at least once every six months.

If cavities appear while using aligners, seek help from your dentist or orthodontist. They can provide additional assistance and potential remedies.

Aligners are not the only option for straightening your teeth. Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces are alternatives. These use wires and brackets to align your teeth. Regardless of the method you choose, maintaining dental care is crucial.

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