There’s a lot of talk around the idea of transparent orthodontic aligners. It seems too good to be true that you’d be able to get real teeth straightening results without metal braces. Many people don't understand how transparent aligners work. So one of the most common concerns we get from patients is whether aligners will cause their teeth to fall out.
In this article, we’ll give you the 411 on invisible aligners and tooth loss and show you how you can prevent this before, during, and after your orthodontic treatment.
Does Invisible Teeth Aligners Treatment Cause Tooth Loss?
Many patients fear that orthodontic treatment will cause their teeth to start shaking. Like braces, transparent aligners work by applying small bouts of pressure onto your gum tissue.
However, the gums aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure: Whenever you start using an aligner tray, the force causes your jaw bone to remodel in sync with your newly positioned teeth. Your pearly whites may seem a bit shaky at first, but it’s only temporary. The bone will settle and firm up once your treatment is over and you begin using your retainers diligently.
What Causes Teeth to Fall Out?
Invisible aligners on their own won’t cause your teeth to fall out. But there are essential factors that contribute to tooth loss during and after invisible aligners treatment. Here’s what to look out for:
Pre-treatment Bone Loss
Some adult patients will have very low jawbone levels, especially in areas where they’ve extracted a permanent tooth. Biting, chewing, and grinding will preserve your bone health, but the bone starts to deplete if there aren’t any teeth to facilitate these functions.
The problem is, the surrounding bone will also get resorbed, destabilizing the teeth still anchored in your jaw. Your orthodontist should request a Panorex (full mouth) x-ray before beginning any treatment to rule out this issue.
Dentists can correct bone loss by performing a bone grafting procedure. They’d insert sterilized, synthetic bone into your low-level areas. Over time, your body would resorb the donated bone and replace it with your own. But a bone grafting procedure is usually expensive – prices start at $300 per tooth socket.
Otherwise, most patients lose up to 25% of their bone in the first year after extraction. And that number increases with time. No professional orthodontist should suggest braces or teeth aligner treatment to anyone with that much bone depletion.
Vitamin D Deficiency
A research article published in 2018 noted that Vitamin D is fundamental for bone development and maintenance. Vitamin D is also useful for:
Forming mucous membranes
Reducing inflammation
Preventing microbial infections
People who have deficient levels of Vitamin D are at high risk of developing a brittle jaw bone, increased infections, periodontitis, and bone loss.
Gum Disease
Brushing and flossing shouldn’t feel like chores. These simple routines play a significant role in your overall oral health. Food particles get trapped between your teeth after every meal. Bacteria feed on those leftovers and use the fuel to grow their colonies in the mouth.
Of course, your body has its innate defense mechanisms to combat microbial growth. Saliva, for example, has an alkaline pH that neutralizes sugary acids that bacteria love. But this mechanism can only go so far.
Excessive food buildup attracts bacterial overgrowth. When these microbes feed on those sugars, they release toxins that irritate your gum tissue. Your body will sense something’s wrong and send a wave of immune cells to your oral cavity. The increased blood flow causes inflammation, or what we call ‘periodontitis.’
Bacteria will eventually feed further past the gums and into your jaw, initiating another form of bone loss.
Root Burnout
We can’t stress enough on the importance of adhering to your dentist’s instructions while using teeth aligners or retainers. They design your appliances to move your teeth in tiny increments.
Sadly, many patients start their orthodontic regimen head-on then neglect to maintain those practices after a few months. If you don’t wear your aligners or retainers as prescribed - be it daily or nightly - your teeth will slowly revert to their initially misaligned positions.
Some patients notice when this happens and put their appliances back on, hoping to correct the problem. Their aligners [or retainers] now have to push those teeth back into position all too quickly. And when your teeth reposition too quickly, it promotes a condition called ‘root burnout.’
With root burnout, small portions of your dental roots get resorbed by your body. In other words, your roots will shorten. Root resorption on its own won’t cause tooth loss. However, the odds are higher when coupled with poor oral hygiene or periodontitis.
Dental Caries
Cavities are the most common causes of tooth loss. But not all cavities result in dental extractions.
Dentists can resolve minor decay with medication and a composite filling. Yet, most patients wait until those small cavities develop into big, painful ones. If they’re lucky, the dentist might be able to save the tooth with a root canal. If not, an extraction is the only option.
Oral Health Tips: 3 Ways to Prevent Tooth Loss
Most times, tooth decay, deficiencies, and root burnout don’t surface independently. Your oral health is your responsibility. There are many ways that you can prevent tooth loss. Here are the most practical tips for maintaining straight, healthy teeth:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Practices
As we mentioned earlier, brushing and flossing are essential for eliminating pesky particles and reducing bacterial growth.
Dentists advise patients to remove their invisible aligners or retainers during mealtime. Food particles can easily get trapped underneath these appliances and lodge into tight spaces between teeth. That’s why it’s also a good practice to brush and rinse after every meal (or at least twice daily).
Schedule Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Some cavities are too small for you to notice in the mirror. Others can be hidden between adjacent teeth or located toward the back of your mouth. And though you may not be able to detect them for yourself, a dentist surely will. After all, they’ve got specialized equipment to single out any lingering case of dental caries.
You should schedule a checkup every 6 months to have your dentist examine the condition of your teeth. They’ll be able to treat minor cavities before they worsen need extractions.
Regular cleanings with your dental hygienist will also help remove tartar buildup and relieve any resulting gum inflammation. They usually recommend warm salt water rinses thrice weekly to reduce tissue irritation and stunt bacterial growth – try it at home between appointments.
Wear Your Retainers as Prescribed
The closer you stick to your orthodontist’s directives, the sooner you’ll see progress with your teeth. It will take some time to get used to your new teeth aligners or retainer routine, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. This is an investment into your oral health, so try to make the best out of it.
Need more guidance? We’re happy to help you get started on your orthodontic treatment. Schedule an e-consultation with one of our specialists today to determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for Straight Teeth Invisible aligners. We’re here to put you first!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can teeth aligners move molars?
Yes. Orthodontic appliances (transparent aligners included) work by gently tugging teeth into new positions to correct misalignments. Your incisors, canines, and molars will be adjusted during treatment to help you achieve a straight smile.
Can teeth aligners damage gums?
Invisible teeth aligners don’t typically damage gums. However, you’ll likely develop tartar buildup if you don’t brush or floss regularly, which can cause gum inflammation.
Can aligners cause cavities?
While teeth aligners won’t cause you to develop cavities, it is easier for food to get trapped between teeth with this appliance. As a result, poor oral hygiene practices can promote bacterial growth and dental caries during your treatment.
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