I’ve always wondered this: if someone has a cavity/cavities and he or she goes into get braces, will they have to fill the cavities first? I saw an ad for something called Invisalign (removable retainer-like braces), and it struck me as odd if they would refuse to fit teeth for removable braces because of a cavity. Does anyone have any idea?
Braces can make it difficult for dentists to fill the cavity. Also, if you have a cavity and it is covered up by braces, it will no longer get brushed/flossed and it will be a golden age for the cavity.
Removable braces probably aren’t as bad, but the cavity is still covered up part of the time.
When you get braces, you really need to take care of your teeth. When I had braces, I actually had less cavities since I paid more attention to my teeth. If you don’t take care, you could have trouble with cavities.
That’s true. The reason why I ask is because one of my good friends has two teeth that are crooked, but he’s a freshman in college and not too into the braceface look at his age, hence Invisalign. He has a big social event in about six months to go to, but he’s afraid he has cavities and doesn’t have dental insurance, etc, and he really needs the braces right away. I assumed they would make the braces and then just schedule an appointment to fill any cavities at a later time, because it seems rather silly to me to do it another way.
It’s also possible that filling cavities would affect the braces so that they cannot design them until cavities are filled.
Probably just SOP though in that they will not/cannot do it until cavities are filled.
I know it sucks being young, no parental support, going to college but cavities shouldn’t be allowed to linger. The problem just gets worse.
Not to pass judgement or anything…he has money for braces (cosmetic/appearance) but has no money for cavities?
Well he’s been saving for braces ever since he got his first job (age 15). Getting cavities filled would be possible, but he really doesn’t have much money, and it would take a while to save. He’s not really on good terms with his family, so that option is out.
By the way, thanks for your help! 
He needs his priorities checked, I would rather look at crooked teeth rather than a mouth of decayed teeth.
Second the motion to get the cavities filled first. For one thing, if you neglect your cavities, you’re possibly eventually looking at a $1,300 root canal. Tell him that. 