Can you get braces if you have cavities? In most cases, you can, but most orthodontists recommend treating decay before starting orthodontic care. Addressing cavities first protects your teeth, reduces the risk of complications, and helps you achieve the best possible result. Below, you’ll find what cavities are, how they impact orthodontic treatment, and how to keep your smile healthy before and during braces. If you’re wondering specifically about cavities and braces, this guide explains how they interact and what steps to take for a smooth experience.

What to Know About Cavities

Cavities are areas of permanent damage in the hard surface of a tooth caused by acids produced by bacteria. When plaque and food debris remain on teeth, bacteria consume sugars and release acid that wears down enamel. Over time, this can create holes that may extend into the dentin and even the pulp if untreated.

Signs of a cavity can include sensitivity to sweets or cold, visible pits or dark spots, rough edges you can feel with your tongue, pain when chewing, and bad breath. In early stages, you might not notice symptoms at all, which is why routine dental visits are essential for early detection.

Regular check-ups and professional cleanings with your general dentist help find decay early, remove plaque and tartar, and offer preventive care like fluoride applications and sealants. Staying current with exams is especially important if you’re considering braces or already navigating cavities and braces during orthodontic treatment.

Starting Braces When You Have Cavities

Before placing braces, your orthodontist will collaborate with your general dentist to review your oral health. This assessment typically includes X-rays, evaluation of your gums, review of your decay risk, and confirmation that any existing problems, such as cavities, worn or cracked fillings, or gum inflammation, are addressed.

Beginning braces with untreated cavities comes with clear risks. Brackets and wires make cleaning more challenging, which can speed up decay. A cavity can expand under a bracket, leading to pain or infection and forcing a pause in treatment to repair the tooth. Weak or decayed tooth structure may reduce bonding strength, increasing the chance of a bracket coming loose.

Most orthodontists advise filling active cavities before braces. If decay is extensive, they may recommend additional dental treatment like root canal therapy or placement of a crown prior to orthodontic care. If a minor cavity is discovered during treatment, your dentist and orthodontist will work together to treat it promptly, sometimes by temporarily removing the bracket on that tooth to allow better access. Can you get braces if you have cavities that are small and stable? Often yes, but the team will determine timing and sequence to keep your treatment on track.

Treating Cavities Before and During Orthodontics

Repairing cavities before braces helps stabilize tooth health and prevents decay from progressing under orthodontic appliances. Restorations such as composite fillings, inlays, onlays, or crowns can rebuild the tooth so brackets and attachments can be safely bonded and adjusted.

If a cavity develops while you have braces, your dentist can still treat it. Options may include placing a filling around brackets when accessible, temporarily removing a bracket to reach the decay, or using interim measures like fluoride varnish or silver diamine fluoride to slow progression until full access is possible. Your orthodontist will coordinate timing for bracket removal and rebonding to minimize disruption to your treatment plan.

Leaving cavities untreated during braces can slow your progress. Pain and sensitivity can make adjustments uncomfortable, decayed areas may compromise bracket adhesion, and significant infection could require pausing orthodontics. In severe cases, untreated decay can lead to root canal therapy or even tooth loss, which may change your orthodontic goals and timeline. These realities highlight why cavities and braces require close coordination between your dental providers.

How to Maintain Oral Health with Braces

Lowering your risk of cavities during braces starts with consistent daily care and smart choices. Focus on thorough plaque control around brackets and wires, and keep up with scheduled cleanings. Ask your dentist if fluoride treatments or sealants are appropriate for you.

• Brush for two minutes, at least twice a day, using a soft toothbrush or orthodontic brush. Brush after meals when possible.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss threaders or orthodontic floss. Add interdental brushes to reach around brackets and under wires.
• Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to target areas your brush may miss.
• Consider a water flosser if traditional flossing is difficult.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups every six months, or more frequently if your dentist recommends.

Diet also plays an important role. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially sticky or chewy items like caramel, gummies, and taffy that cling to brackets. Avoid frequent sipping of sodas and sports drinks. Choose tooth-friendly foods such as cheese, yogurt, nuts, vegetables, and water. Cut hard foods into smaller pieces to reduce the chance of damaging brackets, and rinse or brush after eating to clear away debris.

Braces and Cavities: What to Expect

Scenario	Recommended Action	Why It Matters
Active cavities before braces	Complete fillings or necessary restorations	Protects tooth structure and improves bracket bonding
Minor cavity found during treatment	Treat promptly; remove and rebond bracket if needed	Prevents progression and avoids treatment delays
Extensive decay or infection	Root canal therapy or crown prior to continuing	Stabilizes the tooth and prevents complications
High cavity risk	Enhanced hygiene, fluoride, more frequent check-ups	Reduces new decay and supports steady orthodontic progress

Understanding the link between cavities and braces helps you plan ahead. When you ask, can you get braces if you have cavities? The answer depends on the severity and timing of treatment, but coordinating care typically makes braces possible with minimal delays.

Your Next Steps

If you’re considering braces and have cavities, schedule an exam with your dentist and an orthodontic consultation. By treating decay first and following strong daily hygiene habits, you can safely begin braces and maintain a healthy smile throughout your treatment. Coordinated care between your dentist and orthodontist ensures your teeth are ready for braces, helps prevent issues during treatment, and keeps you on track for the results you want. If you’re still wondering if you can get braces if you have cavities, talk with both providers so they can tailor a plan that addresses your oral health needs and supports successful orthodontic outcomes.