A Comprehensive Guide from Dr. Begüm Ulaşan – Orthodontist in Bursa

Almost everyone considering orthodontics (braces or clear aligner treatment) has this question in mind:

"Is it essential to finish procedures like treating cavities, fillings, and root canals before starting orthodontics?" or "Should I get the braces first and handle the others later?"

Dr. Begüm Ulaşan, an orthodontic specialist in Bursa, hears this question repeatedly from patients during initial examinations, and her answer is always based on the same fundamental principle:

Orthodontics is not built upon an unhealthy mouth. It is ideal to correct general oral health first, and only then proceed with orthodontic alignment.

In this article, especially for patients considering orthodontics in Bursa, we will provide detailed and SEO-friendly answers to all common questions, such as: "Why are procedures like fillings, root canal treatment, and scaling important before orthodontics, in what order should they be done, and is it absolutely impossible to put on braces before all of them are finished?"

1. Orthodontics is Not Just Aesthetics: A Healthy Foundation is Essential

First, let's clarify this point: Orthodontics is not just a cosmetic procedure done for teeth to "look straight."

It is a medical treatment that affects:

1. The alignment of the teeth.
2. The harmony of the upper and lower jaws.
3. Chewing function.
4. Joint and muscle balance.

Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa proceeds with this principle in every orthodontic planning:

"Orthodontics is meaningful when built upon a healthy foundation. Applying braces or clear aligners while there are cavities, infection, or gum disease will cause long-term problems."

Therefore, before orthodontics, the following steps are the first stage that must be addressed in most cases:

1. Detection of cavities.
2. Necessary fillings to be done.
3. Treatment of teeth requiring root canal treatment.
4. Scaling (tartar removal) and gum treatment.

2. Why Should Fillings and Root Canal Treatments Be Done Before Orthodontics?

2.1. A Carious Tooth Can Progress "Silently" Under Braces

After braces or clear aligners are placed:

1. Cleaning becomes more difficult.
2. It becomes harder to see and monitor some areas.
3. Additionally, brackets and wires encourage extra plaque buildup in carious areas.

If an undetected cavity exists before orthodontics:

1. It can grow while the treatment is ongoing.
2. It can progress to the nerve (pulp), leading to severe pain.
3. It may result in the need for root canal treatment or even tooth loss.

In this situation, the orthodontic process is:

1. Interrupted.
2. Extra procedures like removing the appliance, tooth revision, or even extraction may be required.

In Bursa, during the initial examination, Dr. Begüm Ulaşan always evaluates cavities, old fillings, and suspicious areas with a panoramic X-ray and clinical examination. Thus, "problematic teeth" are identified before starting orthodontics, and collaboration is planned with the relevant dentist (general dentist, endodontist, etc.).

2.2. Foci of Infection Endanger Orthodontics

Untreated deep cavities and insufficient root canal treatments can:

1. Form cysts, abscesses, and foci of infection at the tooth roots.

Since orthodontic forces affect the tooth root and the surrounding bone, moving an infected tooth is risky.

While active infection is present, severe problems may arise, such as:

1. Bone resorption around the tooth.
2. Wobbling of the tooth.
3. Spread of the infection.

Therefore, before starting orthodontic treatment in Bursa, root canal treatments and root-end treatments must be completed, especially for symptomatic teeth and teeth with problems visible on X-rays.

2.3. Reduces the Risk of Acute Pain and Complications During Orthodontic Treatment

No one wants to deal with:

1. Sudden, severe toothaches at night.
2. Facial swelling due to a tooth abscess.
3. Situations requiring emergency intervention during orthodontic treatment.

When cavity and root canal problems are resolved before orthodontics:

1. The treatment progresses predictably and comfortably.
2. Appointment schedules are not disrupted.
3. Patient motivation does not decline.

In Dr. Begüm Ulaşan's clinical approach in Bursa, identifying tooth problems waiting like a "hidden bomb" before starting orthodontics is a standard safety step.

3. Can't Braces Be Applied Before All Fillings Are Finished?

At this point, a practical question arises: "Can I only start orthodontics after all my filling and root canal work is completed, or can some be done in parallel with the process?"

The answer to this question depends on the status of the case. However, general principles can be summarized as follows:

3.1. Priority Order

Must be addressed before orthodontics:

1. Deep cavities (especially those causing pain).
2. Teeth that are very close to the nerve and have a high probability of requiring root canal treatment.
3. Teeth showing ** active infection** (abscess, cyst, root-end lesion, etc.).
4. Severe gum disease (periodontitis).

Can proceed in parallel with the orthodontic process:

1. Small, painless superficial cavities (can be treated during the process if the doctor deems it appropriate).
2. Aesthetic filling revisions.
3. Some prosthetic procedures (planned after orthodontics, but temporary solutions can be used during the process).

Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa works as a team with general dentists and other specialties, providing the patient with a roadmap:

1. Which teeth require urgent treatment?
2. Which ones can be done together with or after orthodontics?
3. Planning according to the treatment sequence (first filling/root canal – then orthodontics – finally aesthetic and prosthetic work).

In this way:

1. A more manageable process is created in terms of both time and cost.
2. It prevents the patient from waiting years for "everything to be finished before I get braces."

4. Scaling and Gum Treatment Are Also Important

Not only cavities and root canal treatments but also gum health must be evaluated before orthodontics.

1. Tartar (dental calculus).
2. Red and bleeding gums.
3. Swollen or recessed gum areas.

can become even more problematic when braces are applied or clear aligners are used.

When gums are unhealthy:

1. Swelling and bleeding around the bracket increase.
2. Bad breath and discomfort may occur.
3. Serious problems, including the risk of bone loss, can arise.

Therefore, before orthodontic treatment in Bursa:

1. Professional scaling (tartar removal).
2. Curettage and other gum treatments, if necessary.
3. Education on correct brushing and interdental cleaning.

must be provided to prepare a healthy periodontal foundation for orthodontics.

5. Can Orthodontics Be Done on Root Canal Treated Teeth?

This is also a frequently asked question by patients: "I have a tooth that has had a root canal treatment before; can I get braces?"

Answer: Yes, orthodontics can be applied to root canal treated teeth with correct planning.

The important points here are:

1. The root canal treatment must be successful and uneventful.
2. There should be no focus of infection in the root-end region on the radiograph.
3. The tooth's surrounding bone support must be adequate.

Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa checks the condition of root canal treated teeth with a panoramic X-ray taken before orthodontics and, if necessary, advanced imaging (periapical film, etc.).

If a suspicious root canal treatment exists:

1. The patient may be referred to an endodontic specialist before orthodontics.
2. The canal may be renewed if necessary.

Thus, the risk of experiencing problems during treatment is reduced.

6. How is Orthodontics Combined with Aesthetic Procedures like Fillings and Veneers?

Many adult patients view orthodontics not just as a standalone treatment but as part of a complete smile design process:

1. Orthodontics (braces or clear aligners).
2. Whitening.
3. Aesthetic fillings.
4. Veneers (porcelain veneers) or Zirconia crowns.

The sequencing here is crucial. The general principle is:

1. First, Health: Cavities, root canal treatments, gum treatments.
2. Then, Position: Orthodontics corrects the position of the teeth and the relationship of the jaws.
3. Finally, Aesthetic Restorations: Permanent color and form design of the teeth, porcelain or composite applications suitable for the smile line.

So, orthodontics is often not the "final touch" but an intermediate step that prepares the foundation for aesthetic restorations to sit upon.

7. "All This Seems Like Too Much, Where Should I Start?"

Especially if you are an adult living in Bursa who has postponed dental treatments for a long time, it is natural to think: "Filling, root canal, scaling, then braces... How will I manage so many things?"

Right at this point, the correct first step is: Get examined by an orthodontic specialist or a clinic that works comprehensively.

Why?

1. An orthodontic specialist (like Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa) doesn't just look at the "current appearance" of your mouth; they draw a long-term roadmap:
2. Which tooth will be extracted or not?
3. Which teeth will be used as anchorage (support) in orthodontics?
4. Where will implants or prosthetics be planned after treatment?

Once this plan is made:

1. It becomes possible to complete all treatments in a systematic sequence, in collaboration with the general dentist, endodontist, periodontist, and prosthetic dentist.

In other words, instead of waiting for "everything to be perfect before I go for orthodontics," sometimes the opposite is necessary: "First, let the orthodontist draw the general framework, and then let the other treatments be sequenced according to that plan."

8. Conclusion: Fillings and Root Canal Treatment Before Orthodontics Are Not a Luxury, But Essential Infrastructure

Let's give the clear short answer to the question: Yes, before starting orthodontic treatment, cavities, teeth requiring root canal treatment, and gum problems must be addressed.

The reasons for this are:

1. To reduce the risk of pain and infection during treatment.
2. To protect tooth and bone health.
3. To ensure orthodontic forces can be applied safely.
4. To enable the treatment to be completed as planned and comfortably.

The approach of Orthodontic Specialist Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa is to first conduct a general oral health assessment in every patient and then create a personalized "treatment sequence" plan.

If you are also thinking:

1. "Should I finish my fillings first, or go to the orthodontist first?"
2. "Can I get braces while I have root canal treated teeth in my mouth?"
3. "How will I sequence so many procedures?"

The healthiest step is to schedule an orthodontic examination in Bursa and get your own personalized roadmap.

Remember: Orthodontics shows its true value when it is based on a solid foundation. Correctly structuring the health part is your greatest investment in terms of both aesthetics and function.