Seeking orthodontic treatment and perfecting your smile is incredibly common today, but also unfortunately are dental fillings. We tend to live in a society that consumes a sugar-heavy diet, along with other foods and drinks that can seriously impact the health of teeth.
If you are among the many individuals who have fillings in the UK, you may be worried about the future orthodontic treatment you had planned. Let’s take a look into how it may be possible to correct your smile using braces whilst also having fillings.
What are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are used to repair teeth damaged by decay or fractures and involve removing the damaged part of the tooth and filling the space with various materials, restoring the tooth’s function and preventing further decay. The material of choice is dependent on the extent of the repair needed, the patient’s allergies, and the location and cost. You can most commonly choose from:
- Amalgam (silver) Fillings – relatively inexpensive and extremely common, they are resistant to wear however, due to their dark appearance they are highly visible.
- Composite Resin – a more natural look due to the colour matching the teeth, however, they are less durable and can become stained, so they don’t last as long as Amalgam fillings.
- Porcelain Fillings – these are referred to as inlays or onlays and are custom-made and bonded to your teeth. Again, they match the colour of the patient’s teeth, but they also resist staining and generally cover most of the tooth but can be more expensive.
- Gold Fillings – a less common and more expensive material, they are made to order and cemented into place. Gum tissues tolerate the gold well and can last up to 20 years.
How are Cavities Formed?
In short, a cavity is an area of your teeth where bacteria, built up from poor oral hygiene, has chewed through the tooth enamel, creating a hole that reveals nerve endings and can be extremely painful. Cavities, if not taken care of, can quickly develop into more serious tooth decay, gum disease, and other infections and may lead to more extensive treatment such as a root canal.
Cavities can be detected by your dentist on routine check-ups and are drilled to remove the infected areas and the gap filled one of the above materials.
Is it Possible to Get Braces with Fillings?
Due to fillings being so popular in the UK, the majority of people who get braces are likely to have a filling, so fillings will not hinder the process of getting braces fitted to your teeth. By getting a filling, you are restoring the integrity of the tooth, making it strong again, therefore attaching a metal bracket to it should not impact the tooth. It is also likely your orthodontist will perform X-rays to determine the best placement of the brackets if you have braces.
Considerations.
Even though it is safe to get braces fitted if you have fillings, it is important to speak with your orthodontist about it beforehand, as they will need to understand the best placement and modify adjustments accordingly. Also, if you have large fillings or multiple, your orthodontist may need to provide extra care during treatment to ensure the strength of the tooth enamel stays intact.
What to do if I Need a Filling While I Have Braces Fitted?
It is important to keep up with regular dental check-ups to monitor the conditions of the fillings during treatment. It is also common for cavities to form whilst wearing braces, this is due to the difficult nature of properly cleaning your teeth and braces, and the extra surface for bacteria to hide and multiply on. If you find you develop a cavity whilst wearing your braces, seek the help of your orthodontist ASAP. It may be that your orthodontist and dentist need to work together to remove part of the brace, fill the cavity quickly, and refit your brace or the cavity may be in an accessible position where the braces don’t need to be removed, which is the best-case scenario.
Extra Care is Needed When Getting Braces with Fillings.
With braces fitted, you will visit the orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments and checkups, therefore it is highly likely that any issues with your teeth will be picked up easily and managed without any upheaval. It is important however, to modify your diet with both fillings and braces, ensuring to steer clear of any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, which could potentially dislodge your filling and break your braces. Keep sugary foods and drinks to a minimum to ensure that you keep harmful bacteria away and ensure your oral hygiene routine is as good as it can be, following the advice of your orthodontist and dentist.
Speak to an Expert Orthodontist in Darwen Today
If you would like to find out more about getting braces fitted with fillings, or if you have braces fitted and need a filling, then get in touch with a specialist orthodontist in Darwen today like Darwen Orthodontics. We will be only too happy to talk through our process and ensure that you receive the best possible care.
Contact our reliable orthodontist in Darwen today to book your free consultation.
