Cavities are a headache no matter when or where they occur. If you are wearing braces and develop tooth decay, tending to this problem becomes a little more complex but not unfixable. Here are some facts about cavities and braces to keep in mind whether you are preparing for orthodontic treatment or right in the middle of it.
1. Get Teeth Cleanings
Before you have braces put on your teeth or Invisalign trays customized for your smile, go to your regular dentist for a teeth cleaning and exam. This appointment will rule out any burgeoning tooth decay or other problems so you can get these issues tended to before orthodontics are fully in place. Continue to see your dentist every six months for teeth cleanings and exams throughout your orthodontic treatment.
2. Keep Up with Oral Hygiene
Your orthodontist will offer tips and advice about how to keep your braces and teeth clean and healthy. Follow them. Use a water pik to get in between teeth – flossing normally can be a challenge with hardware firmly in place. Use mouthwash, brush after every meal, avoid hard or sticky foods, and keep sugar consumption to a minimum.
3. Consider Invisalign
If you already know you’re prone to developing cavities, consider whether you might be better suited for Invisalign than traditional braces or maybe your adolescent would be better off with Invisalign Teen. Invisalign is removed during meals and cleaning teeth is far easier than cleaning between wires and brackets. Normal flossing and brushing are simpler to carry out while you’re under Invisalign treatment, which means cleaner teeth and a lower likelihood of cavities.
4. Talk to Your Orthodontist
Whatever concerns you have about orthodontics, talk to your Woodinville orthodontist about them. Before you undergo treatment, ask about the types of braces offered – metal, Invisalign, clear. Find out price points, conveniences and inconveniences, and ask what might happen if you find yourself dealing with minor or serious tooth decay. These are smart questions and knowing the answers can help you feel better about committing to orthodontics.
You Can Get a Filling While Wearing Braces
Food particles and plaque get caught between teeth and braces very easily. There are so many more tiny areas for things to settle. The risk of developing tooth decay increases with orthodontic treatment which is why good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are so important.
If decay is discovered in your mouth, it can sometimes be treated right where it is without changing anything about your braces. If it’s located in a tricky spot, however, a wire or bracket may need to be removed so your dentist can conduct cavity treatment. Dental and orthodontic appointments will need to be scheduled close together to ensure that your cavity is filled in a timely manner and your tooth isn’t left too long without its hardware in place.
Get the Smile You Want with Soleil Orthodontics
Learn more about different types of orthodontic treatment, what’s possible for you or your teen, and what needs to be done to safeguard against tooth decay during braces treatment. Contact Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville, WA, to schedule a consultation.