Is Decalcification a Reason not to get Braces?

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amyhenna
Posts: 83
Joined: Mon Mar 04, 2013 8:55 am

Is Decalcification a Reason not to get Braces?

#1 Post by amyhenna »

I am going to be getting braces in a few weeks, and just learned about the risk of decalcifactions.

I plan to take VERY good care of my teeth, and will do everything in my power to not get these. My question is, will this be enough? Are decalcifications completely under our control to avoid, or is some of it left up to the gods to decide?

margarets
Posts: 112
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 8:18 am

Re: Is Decalcification a Reason not to get Braces?

#2 Post by margarets »

No. Zillions of people get braces and generally have no problems with decalcification.

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katsface
Posts: 245
Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2012 5:51 pm
Location: Virginia, USA
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Re: Is Decalcification a Reason not to get Braces?

#3 Post by katsface »

I was told decalcification is largely due to poor hygiene while in braces. That's why you so often see kids with white spots on their teeth during/after braces. But adults are likely to take their increased hygiene demands more seriously than kids. My ortho goes so far as to prescribe Rx fluoride wash and paste for all of his patients to prevent decalcification.

I was a little worried about this at first too, but from what I understand it's largely preventable.
Treatment-
  • Braces: In-Ovation L (lingual) on top, and In-Ovation R (metal) on bottom
  • SARPE
  • BSSO advancement
  • estimated 18-22 months
SARPE
  • Expander installed Jan 14th 2013
  • Surgery Feb 18th 2013
  • Turn 26 days to 13mm. Gap between teeth maxed out at 12-13mm.
  • Gap down to 7mm Apr 18
  • Gap Closed Aug 6
  • Expander out Sep 19
BSSO
  • Insurance approved, surgery scheduled for Dec 18!

Ciara
Posts: 762
Joined: Sat Oct 06, 2012 4:46 pm
Location: Japan

Re: Is Decalcification a Reason not to get Braces?

#4 Post by Ciara »

This is my 2nd time around and got no decalcification the 1st time. As long as you take really good care of your teeth, use a toothpaste with fluoride, and a good mouth wash you should be fine. Your dentist or ortho can also advise you on this. Some will prescribe fluoride trays etc if they think you need it.

anarchy45
Posts: 51
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 10:35 am

Re: Is Decalcification a Reason not to get Braces?

#5 Post by anarchy45 »

It seems to me that your concern about decalcification is more of an excuse than a reason :-)

prairiehouse
Posts: 78
Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2012 11:53 am

Re: Is Decalcification a Reason not to get Braces?

#6 Post by prairiehouse »

It's shouldn't be a significant concern if you brush with proper technique and for the recommended duration.

sweetcynic
Posts: 111
Joined: Fri Jul 20, 2012 4:42 pm

Re: Is Decalcification a Reason not to get Braces?

#7 Post by sweetcynic »

It's a big issue with kids(~45% of them, mostly boys, get it) but not with those with good hygiene. Brush and floss daily, and have regular cleanings and you should be fine. Brush once a day and have some soda before bed (like a lot of teens/preteens do), and you probably will get decalcified teeth.

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