One of the most frequent questions new orthodontic patients ask is, “My teeth also need repairs – should these repairs be done before or after my orthodontic treatment?” The answer will depend on the type of repairs needed.
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For some types of repairs, having that work done can directly impact the results of orthodontic treatment. These types of tooth repairs should be done prior to beginning orthodontic treatment. But other types of repairs may interfere with a course of orthodontic treatment. These types of tooth repairs should be postponed until after the completion of orthodontic care.
Finally, some tooth repairs can be completed concurrently with orthodontic care, depending on the duration and type of orthodontic treatment. In this post, learn how to tell when to do what types of tooth repairs if you plan to have orthodontic treatment.
Tooth Repairs to Do Prior to Orthodontia
Some types of tooth repairs are best completed prior to beginning your orthodontic treatment. These types of repairs include the following:
- Tooth chips.
- Tooth cracks.
- Tooth decay and cavities.
- Root canals and crowns.
The main reason these repairs should be completed prior to beginning a course of orthodontic care is that even largely non-invasive treatments such as Invisalign can put more pressure on your teeth. If teeth have been compromised in such a way that they are weaker than usual, premature orthodontic treatment (as in, prior to tooth repairs) may actually produce the need for more repairs.
The best way to confirm which tooth repairs should be done prior to your orthodontic treatment is to talk with your orthodontist. The same holds true for scheduling sufficient recovery time in between tooth repairs and the start of your orthodontic treatment.
Tooth Repairs to Do After Orthodontia
Some tooth repairs will be most successful if you wait until after completing your orthodontic treatment to do them. Most of these types of repairs are more cosmetic in nature.
Here is a list of repairs that should be postponed until you have completed orthodontic care:
- Tooth veneers.
- Tooth whitening.
- Dental bonding.
- Teeth and gum reshaping or contouring.
Tooth Repairs That Can Be Done Concurrently with Orthodontia
There are times when tooth repairs can be completed while you are undergoing orthodontic care. Here is a list of repairs that can usually be done even while you are having orthodontic treatment:
- Tooth spacing or gap correction.
- Tooth overcrowding correction.
- Dentures
- Dental bridges.
Who is Eligible for Invisalign Teen?
Here again, sometimes it may make more sense to incorporate these additional tooth repairs into a course of orthodontic treatment. At other times, your orthodontist may advise you to have the repairs completed first or to wait until after your orthodontic treatment is complete to have the repairs. This is because each patient and each mouth are totally unique and there is no “one size fits all” treatment recommendation for all patients.
As well, orthodontic treatment and tooth repair recommendations may be different for younger patients, especially for those with a full set of permanent teeth that have not yet grown. This is why it is so important to consult with your orthodontist before scheduling other tooth repairs.
Types of Braces & How They Can Affect Tooth Repairs
There are several different types of braces systems in use in today’s orthodontic care. Here is a list of the most common treatment options:
- Traditional metal braces. Traditional metal braces are the strongest braces. But these new metal braces are much lighter and comfy than their predecessors!
- Ceramic braces. Ceramic braces are nearly invisible. They are tinted to blend in with the teeth.
- Invisible braces. This treatment uses a series of custom clear Invisalign aligners to systematically straighten teeth.
Invisible braces, like Invisalign for teens Southington has to offer, are the only type that is fully removable. Invisalign aligners are similar to removable retainers in that they can be taken out for brushing, flossing, and eating. So this type of orthodontic care can make it slightly easier to have other types of tooth repair work done concurrently with a course of orthodontic treatment.
If you have the need to do additional tooth repairs along with orthodontic care, it is important to mention this to your orthodontist up front. The repairs you need may influence which type of braces treatment your orthodontist recommends and also the timing of completing the other repairs you need.
The Goal of Tooth Repair & Orthodontic Treatment
The ultimate goal of completing orthodontic treatment and having the tooth repairs you need is to be able to show off a smile you truly enjoy and feel proud of. While it can take a bit of time and patience, especially if you have other tooth repairs you need to have done in addition to your orthodontic care, there are thousands of delighted patients who can attest to how much the time and patience is worth it.
By consulting with your orthodontist before beginning to do any tooth correction and repair, you can develop a schedule that minimizes any extra time needed to do any of the work required so you can start enjoying your new straight smile even sooner. Most patients are able to complete a course of orthodontic treatment and any additional
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necessary tooth repairs in a time period between 6 and 24 months.
Contact Team Demas Orthodontics Today
Here at Team Demas, we are proud to offer our patients the best Southington orthodontist care. Dr. Demas treats patients of all ages using the latest cutting-edge orthodontic technology, including braces, Invisalign aligners, and surgical orthodontics as well as orthodontia for special needs such as sleep apnea.
For orthodontic treatment and teeth repair in Southington, we warmly invite you to contact us.
Team Demas Orthodontics
27 Meriden Ave #2a, Southington, CT 06489, USA
Phone: 860-276-0333
