“What happens if you get a cavity with braces?”
I have a cavity and I wear braces. Can you fill the cavity with braces on? What should I do?
14 Answers
You can have a filling with braces. Your wire may have to be removed and replaced after the filling.
Please visit your general dentist and that will fix it for you. If your bracket is in the way, your orthodontist will remove it and replace it after your dentist will fix your tooth.
Yes, the cavity can be addressed without removing all of your braces, BUT depending on where the cavity is the wire and the bracket on that particular tooth will probably need to be removed to allow the dentist to fix the cavity. Then your bracket and wire would be replaced and orthodontic treatment resumed!
It depends where the cavity is on the affected tooth. If the dentist cannot access the area with the braces on, portions of them may need to be removed temporarily by the orthodontist to allow the cavity to be fixed. Then the braces can be put back on. t is rare, but remember, it is vitally important to limit sweets and acidic food and drink while in braces, and use additional fluoride to protect you while you're wearing the braces.
Dr. Conrad
Dr. Conrad
No worries. In the vast majority of cases, the cavity can be filled with braces.
The short answer is, yes, you should have the cavity filled. If the cavity in on the biting surface of the teeth, it is a simple fix. If it's in between the teeth, you need to coordinate with your orthodontist to take the wire off, then go the to dentist to have the cavity filled, then go back to the orthodontist to have the wire put back on.
Hope this helps,
Dr. Rankin
Hope this helps,
Dr. Rankin
Your dentist can evaluate if the tooth can be filled with the braces in place. If not, they will contact your orthodontist and arrange for you to have the arch wire, and anything else necessary removed, return to get the filling, then go back to the orthodontist to have things replaced.
Usually your dentist will want the arch wire removed to access the cavity then replace the arch wire after the filling. Occasionally depending on where the cavity is, the bracket or tube bonded to the tooth might need to be removed also in order to do a correct restoration
Yes you can get a cavity filled with braces on. Have your orthodontist take out the wire before your appointment with your dentist and then replace the wire after you get your filling. I typically call this a "sandwich" appointment. Where once you make the appointment with your dentist (your first step), call your orthodontist and make an appointment to remove the wire(s). The "sandwich" part is where your orthodontist is the "bread" (they see you before your cavity filling appointment), then the dentist is the "meat" of the sandwich (the middle of the sandwich), and then your orthodontist is the top bread layer of the sandwich. So, you will need 3 appointments in the following series: Orthodontist, Dentist, Orthodontist.
Yes, you can have a cavity filled while wearing braces. You don’t want the problem to become worse, so periodic evaluation from your general dentist is a must while wearing braces. Contact your orthodontist to have him/her remove your wire and/or bracket on the tooth that needs repair. After the cavity is filled, your orthodontist can replace the bracket and wire to continue moving forward with your orthodontic treatment.
It just depends on the location of the cavity and the severity. Typically they may have to remove just one bracket and maybe the wire. Occasionally they can fix it without removing anything. A single cavity is not a big deal but they often come in groups. That’s why seeing your dentist routinely and following all the guidelines from your orthodontist are so important.
To answer your question: When you have braces and get a cavity, we recommend that you go see your general dentist to have that cavity filled.
Thank You,
Priscilla
Thank You,
Priscilla
It is always best to fix a cavity before starting braces if it is known beforehand. However, if a cavity forms during the process, it can still be restored. It will take some coordination with your orthodontist and dentist. Depending on your situation, the dentist may request the wire to be removed and possibly the braces on the tooth with the cavity. Speak to your orthodontist and dentist and they will let you know.
Sincerely,
Glenn P. Frial, DDS, MS, APC
Sincerely,
Glenn P. Frial, DDS, MS, APC
This depends on the location of the cavity. If the cavity is just on the biting surface of the tooth, then it can be filled without any issue. If the cavity is between the teeth or near a bracket, you may have to have the wire or bracket removed by the orthodontist prior to your regular dentist doing the filling.
