Clear aligners are a great alternative to traditional wire braces for those who need corrective orthodontic care. But, it's important to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine during treatment. Not taking proper care of your aligners and your oral hygiene could contribute to tooth decay. However, treatment with the aligner itself will not cause cavities.
It all comes down to proper care. We recommend that you place the aligners in their protective cover when you are not wearing them to keep them clean and prevent them from being lost. Orthodontic appliances of all types can contain plaque and bacteria, making it difficult to clean your teeth and increasing the likelihood of tooth decay. Learn more about how to care for your Invisalign clear aligners in our list of do's and don'ts.
The main culprit behind the development of tooth decay is food particles that are trapped in the teeth and trapped by the aligners. You can lower your chances of developing tooth decay if you brush your teeth after eating and before using the aligners or retainers. If you can avoid it, avoid using aligners after meals without first taking steps to clean your teeth. Scratches on the aligners can trap bacteria, and the use of a damaged aligner can affect the progress made and move your teeth improperly.
The clear plastic makes the process discreet so you can use your aligners with confidence while hanging out with friends and family or meeting people. Invisalign clear aligners are an excellent alternative to traditional wire braces for any patient who needs corrective orthodontic care. But, it's important to remember that proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums while using clear aligners. To ensure that your teeth stay healthy during treatment, make sure to brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash regularly. Additionally, it's important to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, as food particles can get stuck in the aligners and cause tooth decay. It's also important to keep your aligners clean by brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner every day.
This will help remove any plaque or bacteria that may have built up on the surface of the aligner. Additionally, make sure to replace your aligners every two weeks as directed by your orthodontist. In conclusion, clear aligners are an excellent option for those who need corrective orthodontic care but want a more discreet option than traditional wire braces. However, it's important to remember that proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums while using clear aligners. By following these tips, you can ensure that your teeth stay healthy during treatment.
