I’m Wearing ClearCorrect Clear Aligners; Can I Still Develop Tooth Decay?

August 7, 2025

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Dental misalignments can make it difficult to feel proud of your smile and lead to a host of oral and overall health issues like uneven enamel wear, oral infections, pain in the jaw, head, neck, or back, and difficulty eating and speaking. Thankfully, ClearCorrect can address mild to moderate malocclusions with virtually invisible plastic aligners that can be easily removed and require no dietary restrictions. Here’s how poor hygiene can lead to tooth decay during clear aligner treatment and how you can avoid that.

How Does ClearCorrect Work?

The ClearCorrect process always begins with the patient visiting their dentist for a consultation. During this meeting, the oral health professional will carefully evaluate the patient’s mouth to make sure they can receive the treatment safely and effectively. If ClearCorrect is determined to be the best solution for the misalignment, the dentist will measure the mouth using a specialized device to create a digital three-dimensional map of the teeth.

This data will be used to craft a customized sequence of clear aligners designed to fit snugly over the teeth while exerting the gradual pressure necessary to shift the smile into a healthier alignment. The patient will need to wear each set of aligners for at least twenty hours daily and switch to the next set in their sequence every two weeks or so. The process typically takes six to eighteen months, which makes it significantly shorter than traditional metal braces on average.

Can I Get Cavities While Wearing ClearCorrect?

If debris and residues left behind by food and drinks get caught between the clear aligners and the teeth, they will be sheltered from the mouth’s natural cleaning process. This will leave the enamel exposed to bacteria, acid, and stain-causing agents for long periods, which can lead to unsightly discoloration as well as dental infections that can cause costly treatment delays.

How Can I Avoid Cavities While Wearing ClearCorrect?

When wearing ClearCorrect, it’s crucial to always thoroughly brush and floss each time before putting your aligners back in your mouth. This prevents plaque and food debris from being protected from the mouth’s cleaning process as well as visible stains from forming on your clear appliances. You’ll also need to clean your aligners daily by brushing with a soft brush and mild hand soap or by soaking them for fifteen to thirty minutes in an appropriate cleansing solution.

Don’t let your orthodontic process be interrupted by nasty oral infections. Adhering to your dentist’s instructions will allow you to enjoy a smooth and effective ClearCorrect treatment.

About the Practice

AV Dental Associates of Jersey City offers the most excellent oral health services in the area. Led by Drs. Vahid and Jenn, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and the finest customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign. To learn more about the Invisalign process, contact the office online or dial (201) 484-7759.