Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emre Cesur answers one of the most frequently asked questions about orthodontic treatment: “Does orthodontic treatment cause cavities?” Short answer: No, but your habits can!
Hygiene Process in Braces and Clear Aligners
The biggest challenge in braces is the accumulation of food particles around the brackets or between the wires, making cleaning these areas difficult. If these areas are not cleaned properly, the risk of cavities increases.
With clear aligners, you can remove the aligner and brush your teeth normally. Therefore, clear aligners can be advantageous for patients who have difficulty with cleaning. However, there is a critical point: If you don’t brush your teeth before putting on the aligner, you will leave bacteria trapped on the tooth.
In short; regardless of the system (braces or aligners), orthodontics does not cause cavities, inadequate oral care causes cavities.
In short; regardless of the system (braces or aligners), orthodontics does not cause cavities, inadequate oral care does.