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Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Cavities can strike at any time. No matter a patient’s age, a cavity is a common dental issue to address as soon as possible. However, if you are considering braces for yourself or your child, you may be concerned about how the presence of cavities could affect your eligibility.

Thankfully, cavities are treatable and with the right care can be prevented, even while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Continue reading to learn what you should do if you are worried about cavities and more like, can you get braces with cavities?

Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.

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What are Cavities?

Cavities are often described as “holes” formed by the untreated presence of plaque, which is formed from saliva combining with bacteria in your mouth. Improperly cleaned teeth tend to accumulate plaque, which eventually sticks to teeth to form what’s called “tartar.” The resulting acids that degrade and damage your tooth cause the holes that we call cavities.

Small cavities are detectable and treatable early. However, when left unchecked, decay from cavities can become extensive, damaging the entire structure of the tooth. Eventually, these teeth cannot stand up to the pressures of chewing and biting. They could also be damaged by orthodontic appliances like braces.

Since untreated cavities can become a major issue, patients who are wondering if they are ready to get braces may be concerned about pre-existing cavities becoming worse during their treatment.

Getting Braces with Cavities

Due to the time-sensitive nature of cavity treatment, your orthodontist will advise you to treat cavities before getting braces. Depending on the extent of the damage, this could require fillings, crowns, or even root canals, which address the most extensive structural damage caused by neglected cavities. These treatments prevent the cavity from doing any more harm to your tooth.

Braces can make it difficult to clean your teeth properly, which is why orthodontists provide floss threaders and other tools to make it easier. However, new patients will likely always have some issues, which is why it’s important to treat cavities before getting braces to ensure they don’t worsen.

Additionally, the normal pressure applied by braces to your teeth could further damage a tooth affected by extensive tooth decay. Have your oral health evaluated before getting your braces to ensure you are still eligible for your treatment plan.

What Happens if I Get a Cavity While I Have Braces?

Despite following your orthodontist’s diet restrictions and recommendations, you may still get a cavity while wearing your braces. To prevent it from worsening during your treatment, your dentist may want to treat it right away.

Many cavities can be treated without removing your appliance. However, if necessary, you may need to have your archwire temporarily removed.

Alternatively, if you frequently get cavities, you may prefer to opt for Invisalign treatment over braces. Invisalign straightens your teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners that apply force over time like braces. Unlike braces, however, Invisalign can be removed to eat, drink, and treat cavities. This allows those who are prone to cavities to have a convenient way to get their teeth straightened while easily receiving any needed dental treatment.

How to Prevent Cavities With Braces

Even with the added difficulties of wearing braces, cavities are preventable. The best way to prevent cavities is to brush twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride and floss at least once a day to prevent plaque from building up.

This can be more difficult with braces. Invest in a soft-bristled, mechanical toothbrush that you can angle to address all the surfaces of your teeth around your brackets and wires. Your orthodontist will provide a floss threader that allows you to floss around your wire as well. They may recommend special mouthwashes that further aid in preventing cavities.

Be sure to follow the diet restrictions for your treatment, which includes avoiding foods that are sticky, acidic, or sugary, including candy and soda. These foods can not only damage your braces but also increase the chances of sugars being trapped in hard-to-reach places and forming cavities.

Choose Reese Orthodontics

If you’re an adult who is considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you. 

Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.

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Easy Ways To Get Started

If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
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reese orthodontics west ashley sc

Our Charleston
Orthodontic Office

2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

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Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).