Can I get fillings for a cavity if I have braces? | Caudill & Mcneight Orthodontics

Can I get fillings for a cavity if I have braces?

September 9, 2020

Can you get cavities with braces? Unfortunately, no matter which type of orthodontic treatment you choose (lingual braces, metal braces, clear braces or Invisalign® clear aligners) you can develop cavities during your treatment.

Anybody can develop cavities including people who are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment and people who have never undergone treatment. Cavities develop due to bacteria buildup on the teeth, meaning your oral hygiene habits have everything to do with cavities and tooth decay.

Can you get fillings and braces at the same time?

Yes you can! It’s relatively unlikely that you’ll develop a cavity during your orthodontic treatment, because you’ll still visit your dentist regularly for routine dental cleanings. Any unhealthy conditions should be identified and resolved fairly quickly.

We also provide our patients with a high fluoride toothpaste to better protect against cavities during braces treatment!

Before you start treatment with us, you’ll visit your dentist for a thorough dental cleaning. Placing braces on the teeth when they’re clean and free of harmful plaque and bacteria is ideal for preventing cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease during your treatment.

If you develop a cavity throughout your treatment with metal braces, lingual braces or clear braces, we will work with your dentist to treat your condition. Most cavities can be treated with braces in place, depending on the location of the cavity.

If your cavity is accessible without adjusting your braces, your dentist will be able to fill the cavity as normal. If your cavity is not accessible without adjusting your treatment, we will temporarily remove the archwire so your dentist can fill the cavity.

For patients who choose Invisalign, filling cavities doesn’t require any adjustment in your treatment. You will simply remove your clear aligners for your dentist to fill the cavity.

No matter where the cavity is located or which treatment you have, we will work with your dentist to get your cavity filled and your teeth back on track to their beautiful new alignment!

How to tell if you have a cavity with braces:

There are a few ways to tell whether you currently have a cavity or are developing one.

Opaque spots on the teeth
Dark spots on the teeth
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
Sensitivity to sugary foods (even though you should be avoiding these during your treatment!)
Persistently bad breath

If you start to notice any of these common symptoms of cavities, it’s important that you call your dentist and schedule a visit with him or her as soon as possible! The sooner you’re able to get your cavity filled, the sooner you’ll be back on track to beautiful results.

How to Avoid Cavities with Braces

It isn’t difficult to prevent cavities during your orthodontic treatment! Good oral hygiene habits will go a long way. Plus, we will review with you in depth to teach you how to brush and floss with braces on the day you get your braces and at each subsequent visit.

With metal braces, clear braces and lingual braces, you will need to be extra considerate of the small spaces and corners in your brackets and wires, where bacteria can flourish. It’s essential to brush at least twice a day. (For best results, try brushing after each meal!)

Flossing every day is critical too. Food and sugar that remain stuck in your braces or between your teeth can lead to bacteria buildup pretty quickly.

Try using a mouthwash each time you brush too, to minimize bacteria as much as possible. Do your best to avoid sugary foods and candies, but if you just can’t resist, be sure to brush, floss and rinse with mouthwash after.

With Invisalign, you’ll be able to remove your aligners each time you brush and floss your teeth, so keeping your aligners clean and your teeth cavity-free is even easier!