Repairing Teeth Before Orthodontics

If you have uneven teeth and want to have the issue corrected but you also need the act of repairing teeth, you may be wondering if you can address both issues at the same time. As with many dental issues, the answer depends largely on what precisely needs doing. Learning about your options will help you understand the proposed timetable for your treatment and make you feel more confident in the process. In this post, we’re going to show you what to do when you need to repair teeth before your orthodontic adventure. Let’s dive right in.

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What Orthodontics Can Do for You

Orthodontics is also known as dentofacial orthopedics because it is a field of dental specialization that addresses malpositioning of the teeth and jaws. An orthodontist uses braces, retainers, Invisalign and other dental appliances to realign your jaws and teeth, resulting in easier chewing and a better aesthetic outcome. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct severe issues.

Orthodontics and General Dentistry Differences

This is an important distinction that, once understood, will make your treatment plan clearer. A dentist has graduated from a dental college and usually focuses on treating decay and dental disease. An orthodontist has attended even more schooling after graduation and has made orthodontics their focus.

In other words, all orthodontists were dentists first, but not all dentists go on to become orthodontists. Some orthodontists choose to treat all dental issues, while others focus solely on orthodontics. If your orthodontist also offers repair work, rest assured that he or she is perfectly qualified to handle both general dentistry and orthodontics.

Dual Repairing Teeth Treatment Plans

If you need repairs to your teeth such as fillings, crowns, root canals, veneers or bonding, you may be able to have those repairs handled during your orthodontic treatment provided the procedures don’t get in the way of each other. For example, if you need repair work to your molars but also want to address crowded or crooked front teeth, it will likely be possible to do both treatment plans at the same time.

On the other hand, if you want veneers and need braces, you may need to wait to complete orthodontics before being fitting for veneers because bracing brackets shouldn’t be applied to veneers. If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, which goes behind the teeth, you can likely have your veneers done right away because veneers are affixed to the front of your teeth. Where the work needs doing greatly affects the treatment plan.

Repairing First

For some situations, you will need to have the repair work handled first. Those who have chips or cracks in their teeth may need to have them repaired first. As some orthodontic procedures place pressure on the teeth. If you have decay where the dental appliances will be attached, repairs will need to come first.

Orthodontics First

If repairing teeth before work is largely cosmetic, such as staining that veneers will cover, you may want to have the orthodontics done first. As orthodontics concentrates on the position of your teeth and jaws, your cosmetic work will look better. It also may be less extensive if you have the alignment of your teeth corrected first.

When Both Are Done Together

If your treatments can be done together, the only constraints are usually your own tolerance for discomfort and the ability to heal. Orthodontic work takes time to see results, but you can usually have repairing work done as quickly as you like. For example, you may decide to have all your fillings handled in one long session. Or break them up into several visits. Root canal work with a permanent crown is usually a two-visit procedure, and veneers can take anywhere from one to five visits or more.

Keep in mind that even if the procedures you’re undergoing aren’t uncomfortable at all, your jaw may need time between visits to recover from any soreness. This is especially true if you have any TMJ issues, such as arthritis. Talk to your orthodontic practitioner about your scheduling needs and desires. He or she will be able to give you a realistic timeframe as to when you can expect all of your treatments to be completed.

A Word About Recovering from Extractions

Whether you’re an adult who still has wisdom teeth or some of your molars are beyond repair, you may need more time than you realize to fully recover from extractions. While the empty socket may heal up and harden within a week or so. You may not want to undergo more treatment for several weeks to ensure you healed completely.

Even if the extractions are in the back of your mouth and you need repair work in the front, it’s usually best to wait. Because fragments of a tooth or dental amalgam can get into the fresh scar tissue and irritate it. An extraction site needs cleanliness until complete healing.

Contact Us Today

If you need orthodontic work and want to discuss repairing teeth before a treatment plan, call Dr. Gluck and his amazing team today to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to review your needs and formulate a treatment plan to get you the smile you want within a reasonable timeframe. Contact us today for the “The Gluck Experience.”

2002 Richard Jones Road
Suite A-200 Nashville
TN 37215
Phone: 615 269 5903

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joelgluck

Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.