If you’re considering getting braces but you’re worried about having cavities, don’t panic, because you’re not alone.
It’s a common concern that many people have when they’re thinking about straightening their teeth and improving their smile. Whether you’re an adult, teenager, or child, it’s important to understand if you can get braces with cavities or not.
In this guide, we’ll break it down so you can make the most informed decision for your dental health.
Understanding Cavities and Their Impact on Orthodontic Treatment
Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth that feed on sugary and starchy foods. Over time, these bacteria produce acid that eats away at your tooth enamel, creating those dreaded holes we call cavities. If left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious dental problems down the road.
As you can imagine, this will have an impact on your orthodontic treatment if left untreated. Having braces with cavities can make it more challenging to care for your teeth which can cause those cavities to become worse leading to root canals, crowns, and more serious dental issues.
Can You Get Braces with Cavities?
In some cases, you can get braces with cavities, but we don’t typically recommend it. If you have active cavities, we recommend that you take care of them before going through your brace's treatment.
If you put braces on untreated teeth with cavities, the pressure from the brackets and the difficulty of cleaning can make the problem worse, leading to more extensive decay and potential tooth loss.
Do I Need to Get My Cavities Filled Before Braces?
We’ll work with you to ensure that your teeth are healthy and ready for braces. Depending on the severity of your cavities, we may recommend fillings, crowns, or other restorative treatments to get your teeth in tip-top shape.
The process is simple. We’ll carefully remove all the decay and use a specific type of filling designed for your scenario to fill in the holes in your teeth. Once that’s done and you do not have any more decay, we can go through with the orthodontic process.
How to Prevent Cavities with Braces
Once your cavities are treated and your braces are on, it's essential to step up your oral hygiene game because you can get cavities with braces.
Brushing after every meal, flossing daily, and using fluoride mouthwash can help prevent new cavities from forming. We may also recommend special tools, like interdental brushes or water flossers, to help you clean around your braces more effectively.
Can You Get a Cavity Filled with Braces On?
If you develop a cavity while you have braces, you might wonder if it can be filled with the brackets or if everything must be removed. The good news is you don’t need to get your braces taken off for a filling.
We will carefully work around the braces to access and fill the cavity. The process is the same as if you didn’t have braces. In some cases, we may need to remove a portion of the bracket, but the process is quick and painless.
But don't let that deter you from seeking treatment. Ignoring a cavity, whether you have braces or not, can lead to more significant problems down the road.
Do People with Braces Get Cavities Easier?
That’s not always an easy question to answer, but it can be true for one primary reason. It’s harder to clean your teeth with braces. Without braces, there’s nothing getting in the way of brushing and flossing, so cleaning your teeth is as simple as being disciplined and thorough.
Once you add braces to the mix, you must work around brackets, rubber bands, wires, and more. This causes food to get stuck in places where it may not have before. It’s important to take your oral care very seriously once you get braces and we’ll help show you exactly how you can prevent cavities with braces.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, there’s nothing that should prevent you from seeking a complete oral care solution. If you’re wondering “can you get braces with cavities” we think you should try thinking about the process a little differently.
Braces are a cosmetic solution in many cases while filling cavities is not. We recommend that you get the cavities filled and make sure your teeth are in perfect condition before undergoing any orthodontic procedure.
So, if you're considering braces but are worried about cavities, don't let that hold you back. With the right care and attention, you can have the straight teeth you've always wanted without compromising your oral health. Just remember to brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly, and you'll be well on your way to a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.
Learn more about braces today!
