If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, you might be wondering:
- Can I get braces if I have cavities?
- Or even… do braces cause cavities?
Good news: braces themselves don’t cause cavities! Cavities form when bacteria and plaque sit on your teeth long enough to damage enamel. Braces simply create a few extra places where plaque can hide, which means thorough brushing and flossing matter even more during treatment.
Orthodontic treatment can actually make your smile easier to keep clean long-term, especially if crowded teeth or bite issues were making brushing difficult before.
At First Impression Orthodontics, Dr. Lu, Dr. Schneider and our team helps patients throughout Northern Virginia keep their smiles healthy while achieving beautifully aligned results.
Let’s break down what you should know about braces and cavities:
TL;DR: Braces and Cavities: What You Should Know
- Braces don’t cause cavities. Cavities form when plaque and bacteria build up on teeth.
- Brackets and wires create small spaces where plaque can collect if brushing isn’t thorough.
- Cavities should be treated before starting braces to protect your teeth during treatment.
- Daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits help keep your teeth healthy with braces.
- If you’re considering braces in Alexandria, VA, we offer complimentary consultations to help you get started!
Can Braces Cause Cavities?
The short answer: No, braces do not cause cavities.
However, braces do create additional surfaces and spaces around brackets and wires where food particles and plaque can collect. If plaque sits on teeth too long, bacteria can produce acids that weaken enamel and lead to cavities.
That’s why oral hygiene becomes especially important during orthodontic treatment.
Many patients actually find it easier to maintain healthy teeth after treatment, because straight teeth are simpler to brush and floss than crowded ones.
Plus, we provide high-efficiency (BioQuick®) self-ligating braces, which use a small built-in clip instead of rubber bands around the brackets. This design can make them easier to keep clean, because they have fewer places for plaque and food to collect.
Can You Get Braces with Cavities?
Technically, it is possible to place braces when cavities are present. But ideally, cavities should be treated before orthodontic treatment begins.
Why? Because orthodontic treatment works best when your teeth are healthy.
Braces move your teeth into new positions, and that movement relies on strong, healthy enamel and supporting structures. Starting treatment with untreated cavities can increase the risk of further decay and complications during treatment.
Regular Dental Cleanings are Essential!
That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, typically every six months or as recommended by your dentist. These visits help catch cavities early and keep your smile healthy before orthodontic treatment begins.
If a cavity develops while you already have braces, we can temporarily remove the bracket from that tooth so your dentist can treat it, then replace the bracket so treatment can continue smoothly.
Dental cleanings are still essential during orthodontic treatment. At First Impression Orthodontics, we work closely with your dentist to make sure your smile stays healthy while we align your teeth. A strong, healthy foundation helps ensure the best orthodontic results!
How to Prevent Cavities with Braces
Braces and cavities don’t have to go hand in hand. With a few good habits, you can keep your smile healthy throughout orthodontic treatment.
Here are some simple ways to protect your teeth while wearing braces:
- Brush after meals: Clean above and below each bracket to remove trapped food and plaque.
- Floss every day: Floss threaders or water flossers make flossing with braces much easier.
- Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps protect against tooth decay.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks: Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities.
- Keep up with dental cleanings: Regular visits with your dentist help remove plaque buildup and catch problems early.
- Rinse with water if you can’t brush: Even a quick rinse after meals can help dislodge food from brackets.
With these habits, most patients complete orthodontic treatment without any issues related to cavities.
Clear Aligners Could be a Better Fit
If you’re worried about keeping your teeth clean with brackets and wires, clear aligners may be a great fit for you.
Because clear aligners are removable, you can take them out to brush and floss just like you normally would. That means you don’t have to change your oral hygiene routine or work around brackets while cleaning your teeth.
During your complimentary consultation, we’ll help you decide whether braces or clear aligners is the best option for your smile and your lifestyle.
We’ll Guide You Through Your Smile Journey
At First Impression Orthodontics, our team is here to support you every step of the way. From your first visit to your final results, we’ll guide you through the process and share the tips and tools you need to keep your smile healthy along the way.
During your complimentary consultation, we’ll evaluate your smile, answer your questions, and help you choose the treatment that’s right for you.
Whether you’re considering braces or clear aligners in Alexandria, VA, our goal is to help you achieve beautifully aligned results while maintaining a healthy, confident smile.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today. We can’t wait to meet you!
