Many patients are concerned that cavities will stop or delay their orthodontic treatment plan. Here, our Surrey orthodontists offer some insight and explore the impact of cavities and overall oral health on receiving treatment with braces.
What are cavities?
Cavities, also called dental caries, develop when bacteria break down tooth enamel. This occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on teeth and consumes sugars and starches from food. The bacteria produce acids that slowly erode the protective enamel layer.
Early warning signs include sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. As decay gets worse, you might experience toothaches, visible holes or pits, brown or black stains, or pain when biting. If left untreated, cavities can penetrate deeper into the softer dentin layer and eventually reach the tooth's pulp, leading to infections, abscesses, and possibly tooth loss.
With orthodontic treatment, healthy teeth are crucial because braces depend on the strength of your teeth's structure to gradually move them into the right alignment. If your teeth are weakened or decayed, they can’t handle the steady pressure needed for orthodontic treatment.
Can you get braces if you have cavities?
Many patients have asked, 'Can I get braces with cavities?'. The short answer is no, not until those cavities are properly treated. Orthodontists universally agree that treatment should begin with a healthy oral foundation.
Before fitting braces, orthodontists perform thorough exams, checking for tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. If cavities are found, you'll be referred to your general dentist for treatment before orthodontic work can start. Only after your dentist confirms that all cavities are treated and oral health is stable will the braces be applied.
Why Dental Issues Should Be Addressed Before Braces
There are several key reasons why treating cavities is important before getting braces:
- Improved Hygiene: Braces provide more surfaces for plaque, making thorough cleaning tough and allowing existing cavities to spread quickly.
- Structural integrity: Orthodontic treatment applies controlled pressure to reposition teeth. When this pressure impacts teeth with weakened enamel or existing decay, it raises the risk of fractures, sensitivity, and other complications.
- Increased Stability: Cavities can impact 'anchorage', which is the stability of teeth used as reference points for shifting other teeth. If anchor teeth are damaged, it can affect how well treatment works and whether it's successful.
- Reducing Complexity: Managing dental work during orthodontic treatment is more complicated and takes more time than dealing with issues beforehand, which can cause delays in treatment.
What happens if cavities are left untreated?
Beginning treatment with untreated cavities can lead to serious problems. The brackets and wires create many areas where food and plaque can build up, and existing cavities can quickly get worse. A cavity that needed a simple filling before treatment might progress to needing a root canal, crowns, or even extraction.
Severely decayed teeth may need to be removed during treatment, which can affect the final alignment and bite relationships. Untreated decay can also weaken the stability, making teeth more likely to shift back to their original positions after braces are removed.
A Coordinated Approach to Care
Successful orthodontic treatment depends on collaboration between your general dentist and orthodontist. Before beginning braces, your orthodontist will ask for recent dental records or suggest a checkup to confirm that your oral health is in good condition.
This collaboration continues throughout treatment. Together, they will develop a personalized oral health plan that may include professional cleanings and tailored preventative care. Regular dental checkups become even more important during treatment, with your dentist monitoring your oral health and addressing any new concerns promptly.
So, what are the next steps?
Getting cavities doesn't rule out the possibility of braces; it just means tackling oral health first. Think of cavity treatment as setting the stage for successful orthodontic treatment.
The orthodontic process starts with a thorough dental exam to identify and address existing cavities or oral health concerns. Once your teeth are healthy and strong, you'll be prepared for orthodontic treatment. Many patients find that focusing on dental health first helps them maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout their orthodontic journey.
At Guildford Orthodontic Centre, we work closely with general dentists throughout the community to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care. We understand every patient's situation is unique and develop treatment plans that prioritize both oral health and orthodontic goals.