It is advisable that you have cavities filled before you begin Invisalign treatment.
If you would like to straighten your teeth and are considering Invisalign, it is best to get your cavities fixed before moving forward with the treatment. Resolving cavities is an easy way to improve your oral health and to ensure that your teeth are in good condition before you have them straightened.
Why should you have cavities filled?
Invisalign is an effective treatment and can successfully straighten the teeth for a beautiful, functioning smile. It is important to remember, however, that having straight teeth is not the only factor that contributes to a healthy smile. If you have cavities, it is possible to go ahead with Invisalign treatment, but it is best to resolve tooth decay first.
When you have a cavity filled before you have your aligners fitted, there is time for your tooth to heal completely before your Invisalign aligners exert pressure on the tooth. In some cases, a dental filling can also change the shape and size of the tooth, so it is best to complete the treatment before you have your aligners made.
How do you prepare for Invisalign?
If you are interested in Invisalign treatment, it is a good idea to see your dentist for a general check-up first. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and evaluate your oral health. They will perform a thorough examination and identify any issues, such as cavities. They will then recommend a treatment to address any issues that have been identified. In the case of tooth decay, they will likely place a filling. They may also recommend a professional clean at this time in order to reduce your risk of further decay.
Once any oral health issues have been resolved, your dentist will produce a 3D digital image of your teeth, which will be used to create your customised aligners.
Can you get cavities during Invisalign treatment?
It is important to understand that Invisalign does not protect your teeth from issues like tooth decay and cavities. It is very important that you practice proper oral hygiene throughout the course of your treatment in order to keep plaque and bacteria at bay and prevent cavities from developing.
It is advisable that you brush and floss your teeth regularly and that you see your dentist for regular check-ups. It is also crucial that you clean your clear aligners often in order to get rid of bacteria that may have accumulated on their surface.
If you do develop cavities during the course of your treatment, it is important that you seek help from your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will formulate a treatment plan for you while taking your Invisalign treatment into consideration. If the cavity is small, your dentist may recommend that you have it treated after your Invisalign treatment. If, however, your cavity needs to be resolved more urgently, your dentist might use your aligners to help recreate the exact shape of the tooth during the filling process.
How can we help?
At G Dental, we offer a range of treatments designed to improve the function and appearance of the teeth. If you would like to straighten your teeth and are looking for a discreet orthodontic solution, you might consider Invisalign.
If you would like to go ahead with an Invisalign treatment, we encourage you to begin the process by coming in for an initial consultation. At this appointment, we will check for any oral health issues and establish a treatment plan for you. If your dentist identifies any problems that need to be addressed prior to your Invisalign treatment, they will let you know what the best course of action is. The team at G Dental also offers general dentistry services, so if you need a check-up or a treatment for tooth decay or gum disease, we can help.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please get in touch with us here or give us a call on 03 9435 6063.