If you’re looking for a more comfortable and discreet method than braces to straighten your smile, you might be a good candidate for Invisalign. Unlike traditional braces, which rely on sharp metal brackets and wires, this treatment utilizes smooth, transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to shift them.
Although the clear aligners are intended to exert enough gentle pressure on your teeth to gradually shift them over a designated period, some patients wonder whether they also help prevent oral issues, like cavities. If you’re curious, continue reading to learn more about it!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Many patients opt for Invisalign because the transparent material allows their natural enamel to shine through, and its smooth surface doesn’t cut the tender tissues inside their mouths. Plus, the trays are removable, so there are no dietary restrictions.
However, you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from reverting to their previous places. Then, after about a week or two, your dentist will provide the next set of aligners in your series to keep your treatment moving forward.
Does Invisalign Protect My Teeth from Cavities?
Some people assume that the plastic covering over their teeth must surely shield them from harm, and sometimes that can be true. For example, if you suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding, they add a layer of cushion between your upper and lower arches to help prevent a sore or locked jaw.
But the trays can easily trap leftover food, bacteria, plaque, and other debris against your enamel and connective tissues, allowing germs to thrive all day and night. As they do, they produce acids that erode the protective outer layers of your teeth to cause cavities, gum disease, and other concerns.
How Can I Avoid Oral Issues with Invisalign?
Thankfully, many dental concerns can be prevented by taking the proper precautions. For instance, you should remove your Invisalign twice daily to thoroughly scrub the trays with a soft-bristle brush and clear dish soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. You can also soak them in special cleaning crystals for 15 minutes daily that remove up to 99% of germs without harming the material.
Then, be sure to also brush and floss your teeth before rinsing your aligners to reinsert them. Not only can this remove harmful plaque and bacterial buildup, but it also ensures that you’re putting the trays back into a clean mouth.
If you’re concerned about tooth decay with Invisalign, you can consult your dentist to learn more about best practices to safeguard your smile during treatment!
About the Practice
Patients at Omega Dental of Bedford benefit from a husband-and-wife dental duo passionate about helping families build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Prashantkumar Gajera and his wife, Dr. Julyat Gajera, collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to patients of all ages to meet their unique needs under one roof, including Invisalign. Their caring approach is combined with state-of-the-art technology for accurate results you can trust. You can request an appointment on the website or call (817) 518-6915.