Invisalign trays can do a lot for your teeth. They’re able to give you straighter teeth and address bite issues just like traditional braces but without the need for wires and brackets.
While you’re wearing them, you might feel like you have a little plastic shield protecting your teeth from harm. However, oral health problems like tooth decay can still affect your teeth during your Invisalign treatment. If you want to know why that is, and what you can do about it, here’s a guide that may be able to help you.
How can Tooth Decay Affect Me While I Wear My Aligners?
Invisalign aligners can technically stop food from coming near your teeth, but the opposite is also true; food can very easily get trapped in your aligners, making it impossible for it to get out. This is part of why it’s so important to take off your aligners before eating, but even if you do, it’s possible for leftover plaque to grow within your trays if you aren’t careful.
What to Do If You Have a Cavity
If you notice that you’ve developed a cavity, it’s best to call your dentist as soon as you can. Your Invisalign aligners are going to put pressure on the decayed tooth, which can get uncomfortable pretty fast.
If you have a severe toothache, your dentist may schedule you a same-day emergency appointment to that they can see you as quickly as possible. They’ll likely clean up the area of decay and patch the tooth with either a filling or a dental crown.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay During Invisalign Treatment
If you want to save money on restorative dentistry, it’s important to take care of your teeth while wearing your Invisalign aligner. Whenever you finish a meal, diligently brush and floss before replacing your aligners.
When you see your dentist, they’ll also be able to check you for signs of decay, so carefully heed their advice so that you can keep your teeth whole & healthy.
About the Author
Dr. Javier Perez has been practicing as a dentist for over 25 years, and when patients meet him for the first time they can tell that he still has an intense passion for his field. He never tires of seeing what a beautiful smile can do for his patients. Dr. Perez initially practiced dentistry in Cuba before coming to the US, where he studied at UCLA. He also currently holds the rank of Major in the U.S. Army National Guard.
If you have any questions about how you can take care of your teeth during Invisalign treatment, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (903) 534-8110.