Restorative Care

Restorative care addresses any dental issues that may arise during your orthodontic treatment, ensuring that your teeth and gums remain healthy and strong throughout the process. Whether it’s due to decay, trauma, or other concerns, restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, and other treatments may be necessary to maintain your dental function and aesthetics. These treatments not only support your overall oral health but also work in tandem with your orthodontic care to help you achieve the best results.

Fillings: Repairing Cavities and Protecting Teeth

Cavities can develop during orthodontic treatment due to the difficulty of cleaning around brackets and wires. If cavities form, fillings may be needed to restore the affected teeth and prevent further damage. Dental fillings help seal off cavities and protect the tooth from further decay, ensuring that your teeth remain strong and functional while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

When Fillings are Needed:

  • If decay is detected during a routine check-up.
  • To restore the tooth’s structure and prevent the spread of infection.
  • To ensure that the alignment process proceeds smoothly without compromising the integrity of your teeth.

Crowns: Restoring Damaged Teeth

If a tooth is severely damaged or weakened due to decay, trauma, or wear, a dental crown may be recommended. A crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection. During orthodontic treatment, crowns can be essential to ensure that your teeth remain functional and free from damage as they move into their new positions.

When Crowns are Recommended:

  • If a tooth has significant damage or decay that cannot be restored with a filling alone.
  • To protect a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment.
  • If the tooth is at risk of breaking during orthodontic movement.

Root Canal Therapy: Saving an Infected Tooth

If a tooth becomes severely infected or damaged, a root canal may be necessary to save it. This procedure removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth and seals it with a filling or crown. Root canal therapy helps preserve a tooth’s function, preventing the need for extraction. During orthodontic treatment, it’s important to maintain the health of all your teeth, including those that may need a root canal to prevent complications.

When Root Canal Therapy is Required:

  • If the tooth’s pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay or trauma.
  • To save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
  • To preserve the function and appearance of the tooth as it moves with your braces or aligners.

Bridges: Replacing Missing Teeth

If a tooth is lost during orthodontic treatment, a dental bridge may be needed to fill the gap. A bridge is a restoration that spans the space left by the missing tooth, anchored to the adjacent teeth. This helps maintain the alignment of the remaining teeth and preserves the function and aesthetics of your smile.

When Bridges are Needed:

  • If a tooth is lost due to trauma or decay during orthodontic care.
  • To maintain the alignment of remaining teeth and prevent shifting.
  • To restore function and appearance by replacing a missing tooth.

Maintaining Oral Health During Orthodontic Treatment

Restorative care is an important aspect of your overall orthodontic treatment plan. By addressing dental issues promptly with procedures like fillings, crowns, and root canals, you can keep your smile healthy and intact. These restorative treatments help ensure that your teeth and gums stay in optimal condition as they move into their proper positions, allowing you to achieve the best possible results from your orthodontic care.