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    • Sep 21, 2022

Does Invisalign® Cause Cavities?

Updated: Nov 26, 2023

Can Aligners like Invisalign® Aligners lead to cavities? Your Oral Hygiene during Treatment


If you’re following our series of blogs about clear aligners, you now know what the treatment is and how it works. So, the next question we need to answer is, do aligners lead to cavities?


In short, no. In fact, whether or not you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, your best defence against tooth decay is regular and proper brushing and flossing. A straighter smile helps too: overlapped, crowded and crooked smiles are trickier to look after, and more prone to decay.


Why Do People Think Wearing Aligners like Invisalign® will Cause Cavities?


A common concern is that wearing aligners will prevent saliva coming into contact with your teeth. Saliva is essential for a clean mouth. It’s the mouth’s natural defence against bacteria.


Your aligners do cover your teeth meaning there will be less regular saliva flow, however – drinking lots of water, eating well and ensuring that your teeth are clean and cared for will ensure your teeth are well-protected throughout treatment.


A healthy diet helps protect against cavities – whether or not you are in Invisalign® treatment
A healthy diet helps protect against cavities – whether or not you are in Invisalign® treatment

Do Aligners like Invisalign® Create a ‘Bacteria Breeding Ground’?


Each time you put your trays in after eating might cause a breeding ground for bacteria, right? Wrong.


If you fail to clean your mouth out after eating and put your aligners back in, then yes, you could trap harmful bacteria. This is one of the primary causes of cavities in aligner wearers. So, just don’t forget to rinse out your aligner, as well as your mouth after a meal.


Steps for Success


Studies show that flossing is essential to get rid of leftover food particles that your brush just can’t reach. This is particularly important to do during treatment with aligners such as Invisalign®.


After eating and drinking, follow these steps to prevent cavities during aligner treatment:

  • Wait a little while after eating to brush your teeth. This gives your mouth enough time to self-clean with saliva.

  • Chew a sugar-free gum for a couple of minutes after eating.

  • Drink enough water, swishing it around to get rid of leftover food particles.

  • Floss carefully and rinse well.

  • Brush your teeth gently and finish by brushing your tongue.

  • Rinse your mouth out.

  • Clean the aligners with a soft toothbrush before putting them back in your mouth.

More information on how to clean your aligners can be found here.



Do aligners like Invisalign® lead to cavities? How to Avoid Decay


Failing to take proper care of your aligners and your oral hygiene could contribute to the development of cavities. But, the aligner treatment itself will not cause the cavities. It all comes down to proper care. Don’t forget that in most cases – the aligner treatment itself will make your smile straighter and easier to clean.


See your General Dentist Regularly – as well as your Orthodontist


Choosing a specialist orthodontist for your clear aligner treatment is wise. Only a specialist with years of additional training can ensure that you get the best result possible. The same goes for cavity-protection: your general dentist is the expert in ensuring that all other aspects of your oral health are monitored and maintained. Does treatment with aligners like Invisalign® lead to cavities? With regular hygiene and dental checkup visits, there is no need to be concerned about tooth decay during your treatment.


Want to find out more about aligners like Invisalign® and find out if it could be right for you? Book a free* assessment.


*If orthodontic X-rays are required, a fee of $180 applies. See Terms and Conditions. Treatment may not be suitable for you.


These Products are not available for purchase by the general public. They are however available to Fine Orthodontics patients. Always read the label and follow the instructions for use.


 

Find out more about Invisalign®:

 

Specialist Orthodontist Input by Dr Martin Fine BDS, MSc, MSc

Dr Martin Fine

Dr Martin Fine

Specialist Orthodontist Dr Martin Fine, BDS, MSc (Orthodontics), is based in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. With over 30 years' experience in private practice, Dr Fine has expertise working with a wide variety of orthodontic appliances, including braces and Invisalign. He has presented at orthodontic conferences globally, and has taught postgraduate orthodontic students at the University of Sydney. Dr Fine is a member of both the AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) and the ASO (Australian Society of Orthodontists), and is a former president of the Alpha-Omega Dental Society's Sydney Chapter.  In the past, Dr Fine's research has been featured in the Angle Orthodontist journal. Dr Fine is committed to providing outstanding patient care using the latest and most effective techniques. Most recently, Dr Fine has developed and introduced the innovative FineLine clear aligner system, which has been specifically developed to meet the needs of patients at Fine Orthodontics.

Written by Danielle Long

Danielle Long

Danielle Long.png

Danielle Long has been assisting in the creation of beautiful smiles at Fine Orthodontics for over 15 years. Holding graduate qualifications in English and Education (BA/BEd UNSW), Dani brings a unique blend of knowledge to her role. She has worked in many different areas of the practice, having served as both Clinical Assistant and Treatment Coordinator over the years. Continually fascinated by the art and science behind orthodontics, Dani is always keen to share her knowledge in order to enhance patient understanding and experience. Dani focuses on facilitating exceptional patient communication and delivering in-depth orthodontic treatment information. She strives to ensure that every individual embarking on their orthodontic journey with Fine Orthodontics feels informed and supported.

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