Before braces are fitted - Does Ortho check for cavities?

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#1 Post by **BraceFace2o1o** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 6:59 am

I just did a Google search for 'Braces and fillings' and one of the results that came up was a thread on this forum.

Rather than posting in that thread (it's over 3 years old) I thought I'd make a new thread.

My question is, when you go for a consultation (and when you decide to go ahead with treatment) does the Ortho check for cavities? (by looking in the mouth and/or by x-rays)... The reason I ask, is I should imagine you'd need any current cavities filled prior to having the brace fitted. So obviously you'd need those cavities found/pointed out.

Or doesn't the Ortho point out cavities? because it isn't their job? If this is the case, I'll obviously have to book a check up appointment with my regular Dentist before brace day. If I go for a check up for cavities and mention to my Dentist I am wanting this checked because I am getting a brace, would he simply just probe around my mouth or should he really be taking an x-ray to find cavities?

My last x-ray done by my regular Dentist was in February of this year. I had gone in because I kept experiencing pain/discomfort in one of my first molars (and I can see a hole), although when he looked in my mouth he said it wasn't a cavity, he took an x-ray anyway and then a few days later contacted me to say it wasn't a cavity after looking at the x-ray.

Maybe someone could tell me what happened in their Ortho consultation/s? as I have no idea... my first is next week.

Thanks

#2 Post by **drrick** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 7:26 am

You will also want to make an appt with your regular dentist to do an examination for cavities and gum disease if it has been more than 6 months. The doc doing your braces may notice and mention or point out any cavities to you but you still need to see your regular dentist.

#3 Post by **BraceFace2o1o** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 8:42 am

drrick wrote:You will also want to make an appt with your regular dentist to do an examination for cavities and gum disease if it has been more than 6 months. The doc doing your braces may notice and mention or point out any cavities to you but you still need to see your regular dentist.

Thanks drrick. I saw my Dentist about 2 weeks ago with a concern and he said everything was ok. I will make another appointment though just to be sure once I know I am going ahead with orthodontic treatment.

I also understand that extractions, fillings etc will still need to be done by my regular Dentist, not the Ortho.

I am in the UK and with an NHS dentist, the check up appointments a few years ago used to be every 6 months, but my practice now does them every 10-12 months... whether this is normal or not I do not know, or if it's maybe because they are so busy. I've always had 6 monthly check ups and now it's every 10-12 months (unless I feel there is a problem)... but this is the practice decision, not mine

#4 Post by **appygirl82** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 9:42 am

In my experience, my ortho and dentist work closely together. So when it came time to actually get the braces on I just went to my dentist and he made sure everything was in tip top shape before brace day. I had several cavities filled and also a molar temporary filled that will be a root canal when braces are off.

I don't really think that most ortho's are looking for the cavities but want you to see your dentist to make sure your ready.

#5 Post by **sadpanda** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 10:11 am

My ortho didn't look for cavities and I didn't tell my dentist I was getting braces. I just went for some ortho consults, decided who to go to, and got the braces. I know my ortho talked to my dentist once, but I don't know what they discussed.

#6 Post by **wearetheborg** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 10:16 am

You can also borrow your xrays from the ortho to show to the dentist.

#7 Post by **drrick** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 10:42 am

Bitewing "Cavity Finding" x-rays are different than the ones the ortho typically takes (panorex/ceph)

#8 Post by **SDFD TSchott** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 12:50 pm

Alright since were on topic of braces and cavitys can you get a cavity filled and that same day braces fitted? I know I have one cavity that needs to be filled which will be done on 30th but I'm scheduled for braces also on the 30th about an hour appart.

#9 Post by **fosterp** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 1:20 pm

SDFD TSchott wrote:Alright since were on topic of braces and cavitys can you get a cavity filled and that same day braces fitted? I know I have one cavity that needs to be filled which will be done on 30th but I'm scheduled for braces also on the 30th about an hour appart.

It probably depends on where the cavity is. Usually we get our cavities on the top surfaces of the back teeth or on the sides between teeth when in the front. So as long as the filling isn't where the bracket will be placed, shouldn't be a problem. But I'd call and ask your dentist or ortho before the day comes just so there isn't any problem on the actual day.

As far as orthos evaluating cavities in your mouth - I am sure if they see something they will point it out, but I wouldn't take the absence of anything said by the ortho to be any indication that you are free of cavities. When they are evaluating you, they are probably looking closer at things related to your bite, and not looking for cavities. Also the xrays they take are not detailed enough to reliably spot decay.

Before I had my braces on I had to do an extensive amount of restoration to my teeth and I made sure my dentist gave his approval before proceeding with braces. You should have your dentist do an evaluation just prior to the bracing day.

#10 Post by **SDFD TSchott** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 2:32 pm

I have already done the exam and evaluation. Just got the one cavity and I'm golden.

#11 Post by **drrick** » Sun Aug 08, 2010 8:53 am

YOu can get cavities filled the same day as braces if you want to (you would just be open a lot that day and numbn as well)

Composite fillings wouldnt matter as they are as 'set' as they are going to be once you are done. Amalgam could be a diffferent story but would likely only matter if it was on the cheekside of the tooth (which would only be on the molars anyway)

#12 Post by **SDFD TSchott** » Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:02 am

drrick wrote:YOu can get cavities filled the same day as braces if you want to (you would just be open a lot that day and numbn as well)

Composite fillings wouldnt matter as they are as 'set' as they are going to be once you are done. Amalgam could be a diffferent story but would likely only matter if it was on the cheekside of the tooth (which would only be on the molars anyway)

Thanks for the information drrick, I do believe it is composite fillings I'm getting and it's on the biting surface of one of the back molars.

#13 Post by **drrick** » Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:04 am

Shouldnt be a probloem then.

#14 Post by **shellycassada** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 7:17 am

My dentist, ortho and hygenist are all in the same location. I had to have some work done before getting the braces but my dentist called in the ortho and they both discussed my case while I was sitting there. My ortho said he would not put on the braces until all the necessary "clean-up" work was done. Once that was done, my dentist called the ortho back in and we had the consult right there. Braces put on three weeks later..

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Before braces are fitted - Does Ortho check for cavities?

Before braces are fitted - Does Ortho check for cavities?

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