Can I Get a Cavity Filled if I Have Braces?

Keeping your teeth healthy while you have braces is important for gaining the beautiful smile you want. Sometimes, even with maintaining good oral hygiene, cavities can still develop.

At Fry Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you achieve your smile goals. We encourage you to have a dental exam and complete fillings and other dental work before we begin your braces or Invisalign treatment.

Let’s take a closer look at cavities and braces.

Developing Cavities with Braces

Traditional braces make it easier for food to get trapped. Over time, trapped food particles can lead to a buildup of bacteria and plaque on the teeth, which causes decay. If a cavity develops, you may experience a toothache, tooth sensitivity, or mild to sharp pain with hot or cold beverages.

To prevent the decay from spreading, your dentist will recommend a filling, which restores tooth damage and maintains the tooth’s shape.

If you are wearing metal braces, in most cases, a cavity can be filled without removing wires. However, if your dentist is unable to access the decayed tooth, we can temporarily remove the wire so your dentist can fill the cavity. After treatment, we will refit the wires to your teeth, and you’re back on track for that beautiful smile!

Consider Invisalign Braces

If you are cavity-prone or are worried about the possibility of tooth decay while you’re wearing braces, consider the popular alternative, Invisalign [link: https://fryorthodontics.com/invisalign/ ]. Since Invisalign aligners are removed before eating, food is far less likely to be trapped between teeth. If you do get a cavity, you can take off the aligners while your dentist treats the area.

Stay Cavity Free by Practicing Good Oral Hygiene

To prevent the chances of tooth decay with braces, be sure to:

• Brush daily at least 2 times or after every meal
• Use floss to help remove plaque that is between teeth and under the gums
• Eat a healthy diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Continue regular dental visits and cleanings

Your Smile is Just the Start!

Whether you opt for traditional braces or Invisalign, Fry Orthodontics is committed to helping you achieve the smile of a lifetime!

If you are concerned about your braces and cavities, let us know at your next appointment. We’ll develop a treatment plan to get you on the right track.