Those metal brackets and wires aren’t just for straightening your smile. They’re becoming part of your daily life for a while. While braces work their magic moving your teeth into place, you might wonder how they’ll affect other dental needs. Let’s clear up some common questions about getting dental treatments while wearing braces.
Replacing Missing Teeth with Braces
If you’re missing teeth, you might think braces and replacements don’t mix. Dental implants act like permanent anchors in your jaw, so they won’t move with your other teeth during orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will likely recommend waiting until after braces to place implants. But it’s not an issue if you already have implants. Your orthodontist can carefully work around them, focusing on straightening your natural teeth.
Whitening Your Smile with Braces
We get it, you want straight teeth AND a bright smile. While braces brackets cover parts of your teeth, your dentist can still whiten the exposed areas. You might see some color differences when the braces come off, but we can fix that with a full whitening treatment afterward. Think of it as getting your smile ready for its big reveal.
Dealing with Cavities During Treatment
Braces don’t make you cavity-proof. Sneaky bacteria can still cause trouble. If you develop a cavity, your dentist can usually work around the brackets to fill it. In trickier cases, they might need to temporarily remove a bracket. But don’t worry, they’ll put it back so your treatment stays on track. The best defense is keeping up with brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a Dental Cleaning While Wearing Braces?
You might think cleaning your teeth thoroughly is impossible with all those brackets and wires in the way. But professional cleanings are actually more important than ever when you have braces. Your hygienist uses special tools to clean around brackets and under wires, removing plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach.
These cleanings help prevent common issues for brace-wearers like white spots, cavities, and gum inflammation. Just be sure to schedule your cleanings regularly, ideally every 3-4 months instead of the usual six.
What If I Need Emergency Dental Work?
Accidents happen, and dental emergencies don’t care if you’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment. If you chip a tooth, crack a bracket, or have severe tooth pain, don’t wait to call your dentist immediately.
Most emergency treatments can be performed with braces in place. Your orthodontist might need to temporarily remove a wire or bracket to allow access, but they’ll make sure your treatment stays on track afterward. Address problems quickly before they affect your orthodontic progress.
Can I Get a Filling or Crown with Braces?
Need a filling or crown during your braces journey? It’s completely doable. Your dentist has special techniques to work around your orthodontic hardware. For fillings, they’ll carefully clean around brackets to treat cavities.
If you need a crown, they’ll coordinate with your orthodontist to time it right. Sometimes waiting until after braces, sometimes making it work during treatment. The process might take a little longer than usual, but your dental health comes first.
How Do Braces Affect Gum Treatments?
If you develop gum disease during orthodontic treatment, don’t panic. While braces can make gums a bit harder to clean, your periodontist can still provide deep cleanings and other treatments. They’ll use specialized tools to clean under wires and around brackets.
In some cases, your orthodontist might temporarily loosen wires to allow better access. Treat gum problems quickly because you need healthy gums for your teeth to move properly into their new positions.
Remember, braces are a temporary phase on your way to an amazing smile. With proper care, you’ll navigate dental treatments just fine while those brackets do their important work. Before you know it, you’ll be flashing that perfectly straight smile you’ve been waiting for.