The everyday Invisalign® wearer in Grapevine, TX looks forward to the end of treatment where they can see their beautiful, unhindered smile! But for some, white spots appear on their teeth. These white spots are known as demineralization. Some patients question if the plastic covering their teeth is drying out their mouth and causing white spots because there’s no saliva to remineralize the teeth, but demineralization can happen to anyone, even people who don’t wear braces.
Demineralization occurs when food is left on the teeth to interact with bacteria (otherwise known as plaque). This causes acid to form and this acid is what eats away at the calcium and phosphate of the teeth causing white spots or demineralization. Noteworthy, these spots can be sensitive and can lead to cavities. Invisalign® is good for trapping foods and liquids which is one of the reasons why consuming anything other than water requires the removal of your aligners.
Here at Smiles by Martin we work hard to establish good oral hygiene with all our patients. Dr. Greg Martin offers these tips to Invisalign® wearers in Grapevine, TX to help minimize white spots:
— Brush your teeth thoroughly after eating (this is also a good time to clean your Invisalign® aligners)
— Floss once a day
— Use a fluoride rinse daily
— Limit sugary sodas and juices
Remember to brush thoroughly and often, and keep up with your visits to Smiles by Martin. Do that and you’ll have the best smile in Grapevine, TX! And if you have any questions about Invisalign® or your oral hygiene please feel free to contact us at 817.481.1041.