If you’re having your teeth straightened through Invisalign, it’s normal to be nervous about the procedure. We’ve helped hundreds of patients in Liverpool achieve straighter smiles, but one question that regularly comes up is whether Invisalign can wear down your tooth enamel.
The short answer is no; Invisalign is made of a clear plastic material which is designed for a snug fit and will not harm your teeth or gums. There are no wires or brackets for food or plaque to become trapped in, and straighter teeth are much easier to clean.
However, poor oral hygiene can put you at risk of your tooth enamel wearing down, leading to demineralisation and potentially cavities. If you wear Invisalign clear aligners, there are a few extra things to keep in mind.
Ready to find out if Invisalign’s right for you? Book a consultation with our Liverpool team.
What causes enamel to erode?
Your tooth enamel can begin to erode when it comes into contact with acids in food or produced by the bacteria in your mouth, often called an ‘acid attack’. If you have large gaps between your teeth, or are unable to clean your teeth, plaque and debris can build up, eventually leading to inflammation and enamel erosion.
Although enamel is an incredibly strong material, it can also erode if you grind your teeth, or sustain an injury to them. Some alignment and bite issues, including crossbites, crowded teeth, or rotation issues, can also cause damage to your enamel when you chew. This is one reason why Invisalign is so popular; by straightening your teeth, your aligners can make them easier to clean and prevent ‘pockets’ of plaque from building up within gaps.
If your enamel erodes or if you have cavities, this can cause the enamel to lose its natural minerals (demineralisation). Over time, your enamel will become softer and may wear off. While your saliva is usually effective at remineralising tooth enamel, it can work less well if you frequently consume acidic or sugary foods, meaning your enamel erodes even further.
Gradually, your enamel may begin to lose its effectiveness at protecting your teeth. The dentin and pulp underneath may become exposed. This not only creates a risk of decay, but can also lead to the tooth cracking, becoming discoloured, and becoming more sensitive; you may experience discomfort or even pain. The good news is this is preventable, and it’s exactly what we help patients avoid at each check-up.
Can wearing aligners cause problems for my teeth?
Research into enamel erosion and clear aligners is still ongoing, but there is a huge amount of evidence relating to fixed braces. Clear aligners such as Invisalign are easier to clean than fixed braces, as they are entirely removable, and aligner systems do not contain wires, elastic bands or brackets where food could become trapped.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind with clear aligners, including:
Trapped food and drink
If you don’t clean your aligners properly after you remove them, food, drink and bacteria can sometimes become trapped in your aligner trays. This adds to the risk of decay and is one reason why we strongly advise always removing your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water.
Microenvironments for bacteria
Both clear aligners and braces can impede the flow of saliva around your gums, creating an environment where plaque and bacteria can build up, as there is nothing to break food down. It also means that remineralisation of enamel from your saliva can be less effective. However, this issue is more common with fixed braces, as they cannot easily be removed.
How do I prevent enamel erosion while wearing Invisalign?
Preventing enamel erosion while wearing Invisalign is similar to preventing it without any orthodontic treatment. However, with Invisalign there are a few additional points to bear in mind when cleaning your teeth and aligners. Here’s what we recommend:
- Wear your clear aligners for 20-22 hours a day
- Change your aligners every 1-2 weeks as advised by your dentist
- Avoid or limit acidic foods and drinks
- Keep hydrated (sparkling is best kept to mealtimes as it’s acidic)
- Brush your teeth twice daily
- Floss regularly and/or use interdental brushes
- Eat foods that are high in calcium including leafy vegetables, dairy products or fish
- Never eat or drink anything other than water while wearing aligners
- Use mouthwash and any other tools advised by your dentist
- Visit the dentist for checkups and hygiene visits regularly
Note that some types of medication can cause a dry mouth. Always ensure that you keep hydrated throughout the day if you are on medication, as this will encourage your body to produce saliva.
What happens to my enamel if I don’t straighten my teeth?
There is a common myth that teeth straightening with braces or Invisalign is a purely cosmetic or luxury procedure, and that people do not ‘really’ need their teeth straightened except for aesthetic reasons.
Minor alignment issues may not cause any problems, and some of our patients do ultimately decide against having Invisalign or another orthodontic treatment. However, having straighter teeth does make your teeth easier to clean, reducing the risk that your tooth enamel will erode or demineralise.
Here’s how some common orthodontic problems can lead to enamel wearing down:
Gaps between teeth
Large gaps between your teeth can lead to ‘pockets’ of plaque and bacteria building up inside them. Food and acidic substances can also get trapped, and over time this can erode the enamel.
Narrow spaces and overlapping teeth
If your teeth are crowded or overlap each other, they can become very difficult to clean, even with floss, interdental brushes or other tools for tight spaces.
Bite issues
Invisalign is used to treat several types of bite issues, including:
- Underbites – where the bottom teeth sit in front of the top teeth
- Overbites – where your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth excessively, sometimes even touching your gums
- Crossbites – where one or more top teeth stick out behind your bottom teeth
- Open bites – where your top and bottom teeth do not touch when your jaw is closed
All of these can cause your enamel to wear down faster, leading to tooth sensitivity, chips and cracks, jaw pain and possible inflammation and decay.
Rotation and position issues
Sometimes, a tooth may be misaligned with your other teeth (for example, a tooth positioned towards the roof of your mouth) or face in a different direction to the others. This can lead to problems biting, chewing and cleaning your teeth, leading your enamel to wear down.
How much does Invisalign cost in Liverpool?
The cost of your Invisalign treatment will vary based on its complexity and the estimated time it will take; at your initial appointment, we’ll provide a full breakdown of costs and estimated treatment timelines.
We have a range of flexible dental plans and finance options, with more information available on our finance page.
Can Invisalign wear down tooth enamel?
If you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, Invisalign aligners will not wear down your tooth enamel. However, to look after your teeth and aligners, it is important to follow the advice of your dentist, including wearing your aligners 20-22 hours a day, and removing them for eating and drinking. It is also important to clean them thoroughly when you take them out.
One of the many benefits of having a straighter smile is that your teeth are easier to clean, with fewer places your toothbrush or floss is unable to reach, or areas where bacteria can grow. If you would like to discuss your options and suitability for Invisalign, please contact us.