Orthodontic cavities often occur in environments where food and bacteria can easily lodge due to the structure of the braces.
High-risk factors for cavities during orthodontic treatment include<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nFood often gets stuck between brackets and wires<\/li>\n\n\n\n Difficulty brushing, flossing, or using an interdental brush<\/li>\n\n\n\n Increased frequency of sugary foods, sodas, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Plaque buildup due to neglecting to brush for a period of time<\/li>\n\n\n\n Weakened enamel from not using fluoride toothpaste<\/li>\n\n\n\n Poor oral care habits due to early orthodontic pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nAs you can see, braces cavities don’t just end with the development of a cavity.
<\/span>How to practice good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment to prevent cavities<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\n\n
The basics of cavity prevention during orthodontic treatment are “brushing immediately after meals, at least three times a day”.
Here are some key tools and usage tips to help you manage your calibrators.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nChoose an orthodontic<\/strong> toothbrush: An orthodontic toothbrush with a “V” in the center of the bristles is great for focusing on the area around your brackets. Using a soft, small brush can also reduce gum damage. <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\nElectric vs manual toothbrushes<\/strong>: Electric toothbrushes are more efficient at removing plaque around braces, but the vibration intensity should be set to “soft” to reduce the risk of bracket dislodgement.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\nHow to floss with braces<\/strong>: Orthodontic threaders allow you to safely clean the interdental area under the wires. Use once daily, ideally before bed. <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\nChoosing an interdental toothbrush size<\/strong>: The key is to find one that fits snugly enough to prevent gum bleeding. Below the brackets, in the narrow gap between the teeth, ‘0.6-0.8mm’ is a good average fit. <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\nMaximizing the effectiveness of a water pick<\/strong>: Water picks (oral irrigators) are effective for removing food from between braces and massaging your gums. However, too much water pressure can irritate your gums, so use it on a medium setting.<\/span><\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\nCheck your fluoride toothpaste concentration<\/strong>: Use a toothpaste with at least 1450 ppm fluoride to help harden enamel and prevent decay.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\nCombined with fluoride<\/strong> varnish orthodontics<\/strong>: A fluoride varnish applied by your dentist every six months can inhibit the activity of cavity bacteria and reverse early white decay.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nIn addition, products containing CPP-ACP (casein phosphopeptide-anhydrous calcium compound) promote remineralization of microdamage sites to inhibit caries progression.
<\/span>Whether and how to treat cavities during orthodontic treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\n\n
When you get an orthodontic cavity, the first question that comes to mind is, “Can it be treated during orthodontic treatment?”
The table below summarizes the estimated cost and length of treatment for each type of cavity treatment.<\/p>\n\nTypes of cavity treatment<\/th> Action required<\/th> Estimated cost<\/th> Treatment time<\/th><\/tr> Resin Filling<\/td> Keep bracket, partially release wire and charge<\/td> 50,000 to $150,000<\/td> About 30 minutes to 1 hour<\/td><\/tr> Inlay<\/td> Temporarily removing the bracket and fabricating the prosthesis<\/td> 200,000 to $400,000<\/td> Approximately 1-2 weeks<\/td><\/tr> Crown<\/td> Full tooth prosthesis after removal of the damaged area<\/td> 400,000 to 700,000<\/td> Approximately 2-3 weeks<\/td><\/tr> Neurotherapy<\/td> Parallel crown after pulp removal<\/td> Over $300,000 to $600,000<\/td> 2-4 weeks or more<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<\/span>The need for and order of pre-orthodontic cavity treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\n\n
Skipping pre-orthodontic cavity treatment increases the risk of rapid cavity progression during orthodontic treatment.panoramic radiograph<\/strong>to see the entire tooth and root.any orthodontic adhesive residue or<\/strong>bacterial plaque from the tooth surface to prevent recontamination.white spot absorption<\/strong>(de-plastering marks) that is common with adhesive removal after orthodontic treatment, making the overall orthodontic prognosis much more stable.<\/span>Personalized cavity prevention eating guide for orthodontic patients<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\n\n
Orthodontic cavities can’t be prevented by brushing alone; your daily eating habits play a big role.
Dietary management points for orthodontic patients include the following<\/strong><\/p>\n\n