Brush your teeth before you put your aligners back in, and only drink plain water while you’re wearing them. Those two habits do most of the work. If food or sugary drinks get trapped under your aligners, they sit against your teeth for hours, and that’s how cavities start.
At YOR Dental in MediaCity, Manchester, we often see patients who didn’t realise how much a few crumbs under their aligners could matter.
Why aligners can make cavities more likely
Normally, your saliva helps wash food and sugar off your teeth throughout the day. But aligners fit snugly over your teeth, so saliva can’t get underneath very easily.
If you put your aligners back in without brushing, then any bits of food left behind get held right against your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth feed on it and make acid, which can damage your enamel. Over time, that can lead to white chalky marks or cavities, often around the attachments.
Simple habits that help
Things to avoid
Hot drinks with your aligners in. Heat can warp the plastic, so they might not fit properly afterwards.
Sugary or milky drinks. Tea and coffee with milk or sugar can get trapped under the aligners and sit against your teeth.
Fizzy drinks, even diet ones. Diet drinks may not have sugar, but they’re still acidic. Take your aligners out, and rinse your mouth before putting them back.
Helpful advice from YOR Dental
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. If you’re more prone to cavities, your dentist may recommend a stronger fluoride toothpaste, so it’s worth asking at your next visit.
If you notice white spots, sensitivity or tenderness around any of your teeth during treatment, get in touch and we’ll take a look.
Common questions
Can I drink diet cola with my aligners in?
It’s best not to. Even without sugar, fizzy drinks are acidic and can harm your enamel when they’re trapped under your aligners. Take them out first.
What if I can’t brush after eating?
Rinse your mouth well with water before putting your aligners back in, then brush properly as soon as you can.
The insights shared in our articles are meant to educate and inform, not to replace a face to face consultation. Every smile is unique, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinical professional. Please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist for advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.
