Can I Get Cavities During Clear Aligner Treatment? What You Need to Know

The short answer: yes.

Clear aligners don’t cause cavities on their own, but the way they’re worn can increase your risk if good oral hygiene isn’t maintained. Here’s what to know so you can keep your teeth healthy throughout treatment.

Cavities form when harmful bacteria and plaque build up on the teeth. These bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids that gradually dissolve the enamel. When enough enamel has broken down, a hole forms, and that’s a cavity.

With Invisalign or SureSmile, aligners are worn 20 – 22 hours a day, meaning your teeth are covered by a snug-fitting plastic shell for most of the day. If food debris or bacteria are trapped underneath, the aligner holds them tightly against the enamel, creating a perfect environment for decay.

Several factors can make cavities more likely during aligner treatment:

• Your saliva can’t reach the teeth
  Saliva acts as your body’s natural buffer; it neutralizes acids, washes away debris, and helps protect enamel. When aligners are in place, saliva can’t reach the tooth surface, so the teeth lose this natural protection.
• Poor oral hygiene
  If plaque is left on the teeth before placing aligners, it becomes sealed in for hours at a time. Even small amounts of bacteria can accelerate decay when trapped under an aligner.
• Not cleaning your aligners
  Aligners collect buildup just like teeth. If they aren’t cleaned daily, bacteria on the trays transfer right back onto your enamel every time you put them in.
  Eating or drinking with aligners in
  Water is the only thing you should drink while wearing aligners. Sugary, acidic, or colored beverages can seep underneath and dramatically raise cavity risk.
• High-sugar or frequent snacking
  If you snack often and don’t brush afterward, sugars stay on the teeth, and the aligner holds them firmly in place.

While traditional braces create different cleaning challenges, clear aligners only protect your teeth if you keep up with good oral hygiene habits.