SureSmile outfits your teeth with custom-made shields, so at first, it might seem reasonable to think that you are at a lower risk for cavities during your treatment. Sadly, that is not the case. Cavities during SureSmile are a very real possibility. Let’s talk about how you can minimize your risk and what you should do if you suspect that a cavity is developing.
Preventing Cavities During SureSmile
Here are tips on how you can minimize your risk of developing cavities while you are wearing SureSmile:
- Keep up with oral hygiene. Cleaning your teeth after every meal will prevent your aligners from trapping food particles in your mouth. You should also rinse your aligners after you eat and give them a thorough cleaning each night.
- Only drink plain water while wearing your aligners. You might be tempted to sip on clear soda while you are wearing SureSmile — after all, it should not stain your aligners. However, the sugar in the drink could slip into your aligners and become trapped against your teeth, increasing your risk of decay.
- Minimize sugar intake. This is sound advice whether or not you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Enjoying sugary treats only on occasion — rather than all the time — can minimize your teeth’s exposure to cavity-causing bacteria and acid.
- Don’t neglect cleanings and checkups. Your SureSmile appointments are not a substitute for your twice-yearly cleaning and checkup. If your general dentist is also your SureSmile provider, they might be able to schedule your regular preventive care at the same time as a SureSmile visit.
What if a Cavity Starts to Develop?
Keep in mind that cavities do not always produce symptoms right away. If the decay has not yet reached the dentin (the second layer of a tooth), you are unlikely to experience any sensitivity or pain. That is why regular dental exams are so important — your dental team can spot cavities before they start to cause discomfort.
If you are diagnosed with a cavity, hopefully it will be small enough that it requires just a simple filling to repair. Your dentist will shape the filling so it flows with your tooth’s natural contour, meaning that you should experience little to no change in the fit of your SureSmile aligners. If you need a larger restoration, such as a crown, your aligners may not fit as well after it is in place. Your dentist will recommend the best way to deal with this issue.
SureSmile treatment will not prevent cavities, but it will not cause them, either — it is up to you and your dental team to protect your teeth while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Bryan Griffith and Alex Hartgrove work together to provide comfortable, comprehensive, and compassionate dental care to the Prestonsburg community. SureSmile is among the many services they offer. If you have questions about it or about how to prevent cavities, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact us at 606-874-9311.