Most people develop at least one dental cavity during their lifetime; decay is the most common oral health problem! With Nu Smile Aligners, your teeth will be covered by a barrier most of the time, so you might naturally wonder if that will protect you from cavities during your treatment. Sadly, the answer is no. In this blog post, you will learn why cavities can still develop and how you can protect your precious smile.
How Cavities Develop During Nu Smile Aligner Treatment
Cavities develop when bacteria interact with sugars and starches in your mouth. As the bacteria feed, they form a sticky film called plaque. This acidic substance can wear away at the tooth enamel, eventually causing small holes (cavities) to develop.
Clear aligners do not interfere with this process. In fact, since you should remove your aligners during meals, your teeth will still have regular exposure to foods, and bacteria in your mouth will have the opportunity to consume the sugars and starches that you eat.
Plus, if you are not careful about oral hygiene, your aligners could actually trap food particles and bacteria against your teeth. This could slightly increase your risk of cavities since your saliva will not be able to clean your mouth as effectively as it could if you were not using Nu Smile.
Preventing Cavities During Nu Smile Aligner Treatment
Fortunately, cavities are not too difficult to prevent while you are undergoing clear aligner treatment. Here are some simple things you can do to protect your smile:
- Brush your teeth after each meal, before you place your aligners back in your mouth.
- Floss regularly to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth where your toothbrush may not reach.
- Rinse your aligners every time you remove them and clean them regularly with mild soap.
- Do not drink or eat anything other than plain water while wearing your aligners.
- Limit your overall consumption of sugary and acidic items.
- In addition to attending your Nu Smile check-in appointments, schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to monitor your oral health throughout your treatment.
- Drink plenty of water to help wash away food debris and keep your mouth hydrated.
Clear aligners do not provide protection against cavities. Fortunately, there is still lots you can do to maintain a decay-free smile.
Meet the Practice
At our four Nu Smile Aligner locations, Dr. G and our team specialize in providing top-quality clear aligner treatment at a reasonable price. We are always happy to chat with patients about how they can enjoy successful treatment and take excellent care of their teeth throughout their time with Nu Smile. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, get in touch with any of our offices or call us at 732-889-7244.