
SureSmile clear aligners are made out of a smooth plastic material and can be designed to fit to your teeth like a glove. It looks kind of like a shield for your smile, leaving many patients to wonder if their aligners will protect their pearly whites from cavities.
While SureSmile can mitigate physical stress caused by bruxism and alleviate jaw pain, it’s not an effective buffer against bacteria! Keep reading to learn why you should keep brushing and flossing during your treatment.
What Causes Cavities, Anyway?
The first thing you should know is how cavities actually develop. The bacteria that accumulate in your mouth over the course of a day produce a specific type of acid. This acid is particularly harmful to tooth enamel, and with enough build up, it will essentially eat a hole through your pearly white – also known as a cavity.
This is why dentists insist on brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once per day. Keeping your smile clean mitigates dangerous bacteria build up!
You Don’t Eat with Your Aligners On
As you might suspect, much of the bacteria that accumulates in your mouth comes from eating. But even if SureSmile aligners did function as a cavity shield, you’re not supposed to eat or drink with them on! Doing so can stain or warp your aligners and interfere with your treatment. Plus, it still wouldn’t protect your teeth from cavities.
Bacteria and Food can Become Trapped
It’s not exactly difficult for bacteria or food particles to become trapped between your teeth and your aligners (especially if you’re eating with your trays on!). You’ll need to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent this, but you’ll also need to clean your aligners on a regular basis. In addition to giving them a good scrub with a soft bristled toothbrush and hand soap, you should rinse them off with lukewarm water after every meal.
Cavities can Prolong Your Treatment
Since SureSmile clear aligners don’t make you invincible to cavities, it’s up to you to keep oral bacteria build up to a minimum. Otherwise, you could end up prolonging your treatment! Cavities are a serious condition that can result in tooth loss, so your dentist will have to treat them immediately. This often means going without your aligners until you can get a filling.
Brushing and flossing your teeth will help your SureSmile treatment go smoothly. Maintain good oral hygiene habits while you’re straightening your teeth, and your smile will thank you for it later!
About the Practice
At Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we have not one, not two, but three experienced dentists on staff who can help you take care of your teeth! If you’d like to straighten your smile with SureSmile, our team will be happy to give you advice about the best way to avoid cavities and other complications. To get started with your personalized treatment plan, call our office at 360-459-4420.