Can I Get a Filling With Braces? Why Oral Care Matters

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Good oral hygiene is just as important during braces treatment as before or after treatment. In fact, it’s more important to remain diligent in your brushing and flossing because braces or clear aligners can trap plaque against the teeth. Still, it is possible to get a cavity during your braces treatment. What happens if you do? Can you get fillings with braces? Or should you wait?

This is a common question for patients of Kanning Orthodontics. How much dental treatment can you have and should you have while undergoing braces treatment? Wearing braces can make fillings a bit more complicated, but it’s not impossible to get fillings with braces. One thing you don’t want to do is wait because an untreated cavity can get worse and lead to infection and tooth loss. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3208″ img_size=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Braces and Cavities

Cavities can happen at any time, with braces or without. Cavities are the result of tooth decay, which is often caused by poor oral hygiene habits. However, cavities can also form due to other factors, such as genetics, weakened enamel from taking certain medications, or poor diet. Whatever the case, cavities should be treated right away. If the cavity makes it all the way to the center, living part of the tooth, it could cause infection or tooth loss. 

Can you have cavities and get braces? We encourage patients to visit the dentist prior to getting their braces or clear aligners. Your teeth should have a thorough cleaning, and your dentist should check for any cavities or trouble spots. Any cavities found should be filled right away before your braces are put on your teeth. Fillings — which are metal, ceramic, or resin — will make your tooth stronger, eliminate the cavity and keep bacteria from further invading your tooth. They should not affect your ability to wear braces or to use clear aligners. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3298″ img_size=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Can I Get a Cavity Filled With Braces on?

It’s not very common to develop a cavity during treatment because you still visit the dentist regularly and because we are able to spot any potential problems, as well. However, it is possible to develop a cavity, particularly if you don’t brush and floss regularly. Flossing can be more challenging with braces, but it still must be done, and there are flossing tools available to help. 

Patients who do develop a cavity usually come to us with one question: “Can I get fillings with braces?” The answer is yes! Depending on the location of the cavity, it may be a bit more complicated to fill the cavity, but it is possible. It’s even easier if you use clear aligners — you simply fill the cavity at your dentist just as you would without clear aligners. 

If you do develop a cavity during braces, call and inform us right away. Your treatment won’t be affected if the cavity is accessible to the dentist and can be filled easily. If accessibility is limited, we will work with your dentist to find the best way to fill the cavity. If needed, we can remove your archwire and give your dentist more room to work. Once the filling is complete and set, we can put your archwire back and continue your braces treatment. Depending on the type of filling, it usually takes up to 24 hours to set fully. 

Once the filling is set, you can come back to us and we’ll return the archwire to your teeth. You’ll then resume your braces treatment like normal. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3279″ img_size=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Can You Get a Filling With Braces? Yes! 

The team at Kanning Orthodontics isn’t just focused on straightening your teeth. Our goal is to improve your overall oral health. We will guide you on the best ways to practice great oral hygiene during and after your braces treatment. We also keep a close eye on the health of your mouth, teeth and gums. If we spot a cavity, we’ll let you know and work with your dentist to ensure it’s taken care of quickly, putting you back on the road to excellent oral health. 

Ready to get started? It’s easier than you think! If you’re in the Kansas City, MO, or Liberty, MO, area, you can start with a free virtual consultation from anywhere — laptop, desktop, or mobile device! We care about your oral health, and we want you to feel cared for at Kanning Orthodontics — because you are.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5399″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://consult.smiles.app/v1/start/G86l8ORkW1/”][/vc_column][/vc_row]