We get asked all the time by patients about the risk of cavities during Invisalign treatment. This is a big topic and we want to give you the full scoop. A lot of people don’t realize how complicated the relationship between Invisalign aligners and cavities is.
Invisalign aligners don’t cause cavities. But if you don’t practice good oral hygiene, you can make it easier for cavities to form. Each day the aligners cover your teeth for 20-22 hours which changes the way your mouth works. If you don’t clean your teeth properly, this layer can trap bacteria, food particles and plaque against them.
We tell our patients at Marrecau Orthodontics that saliva is very important in keeping teeth healthy and cavity free. Saliva helps remove food particles and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. When aligners are in place, saliva can’t reach the teeth as well, so this natural defense is less effective. That’s why it’s even more important to keep your mouth clean while using Invisalign.
Good oral hygiene is key to avoiding cavities during treatment. We recommend patients brush their teeth well after each meal before putting their aligners back in. Rinsing with water will help remove some food particles if you can’t brush your teeth. But this should not replace brushing your teeth regularly. Patients should also clean their aligners often to prevent bacteria from building up on the plastic itself.
One mistake many of our Parkland patients do is putting their aligners back in right after eating without brushing their teeth first. This keeps food and sugars stuck to the teeth which is a great place for bacteria that causes cavities to grow. Even when we are in a hurry or eating away from home, we always stress how important this cleaning step is.
Another risk is drinking sugary or acidic drinks while using aligners. These liquids can get stuck between the aligners and the teeth and soak the teeth in sugar or acid for a long time. We tell our patients to take out their aligners before they consume anything other than water and to brush their teeth and to brush their teeth before putting their aligners back in.
Some patients are worried that the tight fit of the aligners could cause cavities to form. The tight fit is important for moving teeth, but it doesn’t induce cavities on its own. When food, bacteria or sweet things get stuck in this small space, that’s when issues happen.
Regular dental visits are very important while you are getting Invisalign. We keep a close eye on our patients’ dental health during treatment by working closely with their primary dentists. These check-ups help catch any problems early and make sure the treatments for preventing cavities are working.
We also recommend using fluoride toothpaste and maybe even a fluoride rinse to add extra protection to your teeth. Some patients need extra preventive measures, prescription fluoride treatments especially if they have a history of cavities or other risk factors.
The good news is most patients who get Invisalign treatment don’t get any new cavities if they take care of their teeth properly. Many times patients improve their oral hygiene habits while they’re getting treatment because they become more aware of how they brush their teeth. The most important thing is to know the risks and take the right steps to avoid them from the start of treatment. We give our patients clear guidelines and ongoing support to help them keep their teeth and gums healthy while they’re getting aligners.
Dr. Tomas Marrecau brings a strong academic background and a genuinely patient-focused approach to orthodontic care. After studying molecular biology at Princeton and completing dental school at Tufts, he finished his orthodontic residency at the University of Pennsylvania, gaining advanced training in modern treatment techniques. At his Parkland practice, he focuses on individualized care, creating treatment plans that fit each patient’s needs and long-term goals. Outside the office, he stays active through tennis, golf, and travel, keeping the same easygoing energy he brings to his work.