Do Your Teeth Need To Be Healthy and Cavity-Free Before Getting Braces?

Congratulations on choosing to wear braces! Investing in your smile not only enhances its appearance but also promotes better oral health. Straight teeth are easier to clean and maintain, contributing to a healthier mouth and a more attractive smile.

Cavities and Braces

But what about braces and cavities? While our orthodontist helps you align your teeth and bite, treating cavities falls under the purview of your dentist. Before getting braces, it’s important to ensure your teeth are cavity-free. Your dentist can conduct a thorough examination and treat any cavities, ensuring your teeth are in optimal condition for braces.

So, what causes cavities? Plaque forms in the mouth from oral bacteria, food particles, saliva, and acids. This combination turns into a sticky bacterial film, which hardens into tartar and calculus. Your dentist removes tartar and calculus during cleanings. If not removed, acids attack tooth enamel, weaken it, and create holes in the tooth, known as cavities.

Bottom line: You’ll want to begin your braces journey with teeth that are as clean and free of cavities as possible!

Another reason to treat cavities and gum disease quickly is to lessen damage to your teeth and gums. These conditions worsen over time and don’t heal on their own. The longer you wait, the greater the damage becomes. Putting braces on weak teeth can lead to bigger issues like cracks or fractures, which could eventually result in lost teeth.

It’s important to address cavities and gum disease promptly to minimize the impact on your teeth and gums. These issues can deteriorate over time and do not resolve themselves. The longer you delay treatment, the more extensive the damage can become. Placing braces on compromised teeth may lead to more severe problems like cracks or fractures, potentially resulting in tooth loss.

Caring for Teeth in Braces

Once your teeth are given the all-clear and you finally get your braces, it’s super important to make an extra effort to brush and floss well after every meal. This is key to keeping your teeth strong and free from cavities. It’s crucial to keep your braces clean and plaque-free to avoid decay around them.

• After finishing each meal, make sure to brush your teeth to prevent plaque and tooth stains. Removing any food particles stuck around your braces is crucial for maintaining oral hygiene.
• Make sure to floss carefully around brackets, wires, and the gaps between your teeth.
• Invest in tools that you’ll find easy to use and that effectively remove food particles and plaque. These tools include floss threaders, a proxabrush, or a waterpik.

After wearing braces for 18–24 months, it’s important to avoid the hassle of dealing with cavities and weakened teeth once the braces are finally removed. In cases where cavities require attention during the braces period, the wire may need to be temporarily removed so that your dentist can access and fill the cavity. Make sure to schedule your dental and orthodontic appointments close together to promptly replace the wire following the cavity treatment, thereby preventing any unwanted shifting of your teeth out of their newly aligned position.

You should also inform your dentist if you experience tooth sensitivity or pain while chewing or consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. It’s important to prioritize the health of your teeth and gums throughout your life, especially when you’re focused on achieving a beautiful smile through teeth straightening!