27 Feb Dirty Aligners Can Cause Cavities! Here’s How to Keep Them Clean
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to braces, because they’re more discreet. But unless you’re cleaning them properly, you could be running the risk of cavities and other oral health concerns. Straightening your teeth is a big commitment. You have to wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day, keep them clean, and store them properly so they don’t get dirty or warped. Here’s what you can do to reduce the risk of cavities during treatment.
Can Clear Aligners Cause Cavities?
Yes! There is a direct connection between dirty aligners and frequent cavities. You are supposed to wear your aligners for most of the day (and night), so that means food particles can easily get trapped between your teeth and the plastic. It’s so important to rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. That way, you can avoid plaque buildup and cavities.
Why Dirty Aligners Increase the Risk of Cavities
Your mouth uses saliva to wash away food and neutralize the acids that damage your tooth enamel. However, when you’re wearing clear aligners, saliva can’t reach your teeth because the aligner creates a shield.
Unless you clean your aligners every day, a sticky bacterial layer (or biofilm) starts to accumulate on the plastic. Every time you skip rinsing your aligners before putting them back in, you are sealing that bacterial colony against your teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
The National Library of Medicine published a retrospective analysis of patients treated with clear aligners. Research shows that the average number of teeth with decay greatly increased among those who received aligner treatment. In fact, every 10-tray increment is associated with a 55% higher chance of developing new tooth decay.
How to Clean Your Clear Aligners the Right Way
Correct aligner care is not complex. However, you do have to be consistent. Follow these steps to clean your aligners properly:
- Every time you remove your aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water. Don’t use hot water because high temperatures can warp the plastic, affecting the fit.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for daily cleaning. There are toothbrushes designed specifically for aligners. Gently brush the inside and outside surfaces with clear, unscented, anti-bacterial soap. Special aligner cleaning solutions are also available.
- Never use toothpaste on your aligners, because the abrasive ingredients will scratch the plastic, making tiny grooves where bacteria can settle and multiply.
Daily Habits That Prevent Cavities During Orthodontic Treatments
It’s crucial you learn how to prevent cavities during orthodontic treatments. Beyond cleaning your aligners, maintaining other optimal oral hygiene is a must. Be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water after every single meal.
Pay attention to what you are eating and drinking, too. If you consume anything besides water, you must take out your aligners. Even more importantly, remember that beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can stain aligners and introduce tons of sugars that lead to cavities. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research emphasizes that limiting sugar is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay.
Professional Support Makes the Difference
You will have to visit your dentist every two to four months when you have Invisalign treatment to make sure your teeth are tracking. Furthermore, you will need measurement for your next set. During these routine dental exams, your dentist may recommend an extra cleaning if needed. Regular professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar,while bonding and fillings are available to address minor issues.
Our Sun Lakes dentists provide personalized guidance for your specific situation, and can help explain how factors like saliva production, oral bacteria composition, and diet affects the risk of cavities with aligners.
Take Action to Protect Your Smile
Can dirty aligners cause cavities? Yes. But as long as you clean them properly, you can eliminate this risk. Contact us to schedule a dental exam and learn how clear aligners can help straighten your smile.
Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 2/14/26.