Cavity Treatment During Braces

Did you know that dentists and orthodontists are not the same? A dentist specializes in gum health, tooth decay, and more, and an orthodontist specializes in straightening the teeth. Dr. Updike advises to maintain your oral health when undergoing orthodontic treatment, but should a cavity appear, this is what to expect.

Oral Hygiene

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day to avoid tooth decay along with flossing. It is a fact that maintaining oral health may be more challenging during orthodontic treatment, as the braces and wires make it more difficult to clean thoroughly. It is also recommended to have a regular checkup and cleaning with your dentist 1-2 times a year as well.

Cavity Treatment with Braces

If a cavity appears when you have braces, it may be more difficult to treat. Depending on the placement of the cavity, the severity, and which tooth it is on, you may need to have your orthodontist remove a few brackets to allow the dentist to fill the cavity.

Other times, you may need to wait until you are completely done with orthodontic treatment to have your cavity filled. Your dentist will analyze the cavity and let you know what the best steps may be. If the cavity needs to be filled as soon as possible, this may elongate your braces treatment if you need to remove brackets and reapply brackets once the cavity is filled.

Cavity Prevention

The best advice Dr. Updike can give is to prevent cavities in the first place. Flossing regularly, brushing your teeth, and using mouthwash are a great combination to prevent cavities.

If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule your free consultation, give our office a call at (949) 870- 9713 and our friendly staff will assist you.