If you're considering orthodontic treatment but have concerns about existing dental issues, you're not alone. Many patients wonder whether they can get braces with cavities or what signs indicate they might need orthodontic treatment. At New Braunfels Braces, we understand these concerns and want to help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
Can You Get Braces With Cavities?
The short answer is: it depends on your specific situation. While it is possible to have braces with cavities, having cavities while undergoing orthodontic treatment can complicate the process and potentially cause further dental problems if not properly managed.
Why Treating Cavities First Is Usually Recommended
Orthodontists recommend consulting a general dentist before they place braces because cavities only get bigger with time, especially when you have braces. Here's why addressing cavities before starting orthodontic treatment is typically the best approach:
Structural Integrity: You need strong and healthy teeth in order to undergo the straightening process. Cavities weaken teeth, making them more susceptible to damage during orthodontic movement.
Prevention of Complications: Untreated cavities can lead to several serious issues during braces treatment:
- Tooth fractures: If you allow the cavity to stay, it will run rampant through your teeth. Over time, the teeth will wear down, fracture, and even break off
- Increased pain: When cavities are left, they only get bigger and deeper, spreading to the nerve tissue of your teeth
- Aesthetic concerns: Large cavities can compromise the final appearance of your smile
Ready to start your orthodontic journey? Schedule your consultation today or call us at (830) 632-5335 to discuss your treatment options.
When Braces Might Be Possible With Cavities
In some specific situations, orthodontic treatment can proceed even with existing cavities:
- Isolated cavities: Braces treatment can be done solely on healthy teeth (e.g., on the top teeth while having a cavity on a bottom tooth)
- Minor cavities in non-critical areas: Small cavities that don't affect the structural integrity of teeth may be manageable during treatment
Getting Cavities Filled During Braces Treatment
If a cavity develops while you're wearing braces, don't worry – it can still be treated. Most cavities can be treated with braces in place, depending on the location of the cavity. Your orthodontist may need to temporarily remove wires or brackets to allow your dentist access to the affected tooth, but this is a routine procedure.
Common Signs Of Misaligned Teeth
Recognizing the signs of misaligned teeth is crucial for determining when orthodontic treatment might be beneficial. Here are the most common indicators that you or your child might benefit from braces treatment:
Visible Signs
Crooked or Crowded Teeth: The most common signs include gaps between teeth, asymmetry of teeth, overlapping, misalignment, a crossbite, overbite, or underbite. When your teeth don't line up properly or appear rotated or twisted, this indicates malocclusion.
Improper Bite Alignment: Your teeth should fit together, with the upper teeth slightly overlapping your lower teeth. The points of your molars should fit the grooves of the opposite molar. When this doesn't occur, it can lead to various complications.
Gaps or Spacing Issues: Both diastema (small gaps between upper front teeth) and tremma (gaps between various teeth) can occur and significantly affect the attractiveness of a smile.
Functional Problems
Difficulty Chewing or Biting: If you're having trouble chewing or biting, it might mean your teeth aren't lining up right. When eating becomes uncomfortable or it's difficult to bite into foods, this could be a sign of misalignment.
Speech Difficulties: Incorrect teeth and jaw alignment may cause speech issues like lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or syllables.
Breathing Issues: Mouth breathing can be both a cause and symptom of misaligned teeth.
Pain and Discomfort Symptoms
Jaw Pain and TMJ Issues: Misalignment can lead to TMJ disorders with symptoms like jaw pain, clicking sounds, headaches, and more. The root of the problem is that your upper and lower teeth don't line up right, putting extra pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
Frequent Headaches: Headaches that won't go away could be a sign your bite is off. This problem can make the muscles and joints in your jaw work too hard, causing a lot of pain in your head or even migraines.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding your teeth at night often happens when your bite doesn't align. It can wear down the protective outer layer of your teeth, make them sensitive, and mess with your jaw lines.
Oral Health Complications
Uneven Tooth Wear: Uneven wear on teeth indicates a misaligned bite and can lead to potential damage or decay.
Difficulty Maintaining Oral Hygiene: It can be hard to clean in between crooked teeth, which can result in tooth decay and gum disease. When you have misaligned teeth, it can be challenging to brush or floss properly.
Increased Risk of Dental Problems: A misaligned bite can lead to bacterial growth, oral diseases, plaque buildup, gingivitis, and potentially periodontitis.
Experiencing any of these symptoms? Don't wait to seek treatment, contact New Braunfels Braces or call (830) 632-5335 to schedule your comprehensive orthodontic evaluation.
The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment
Early detection of malocclusion may help decrease the length and severity of the treatment. While orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, starting treatment earlier often leads to:
- Shorter treatment duration
- Better outcomes
- Lower overall costs
- Prevention of more serious complications
For children, certain habits should be addressed early to prevent misalignment.