Developmental enamel defect needs filling before braces?!
Question:
Developmental enamel defect needs filling before braces?
My 14 yr old had a final dental cleaning Tuesday before he gets braces next month. At prior exams, no problems were brought to my attention but this time the dentist says he has a "developmental defect in the enamel" on the buccal side of two teeth--#18 and #31. The dentist wants to fill them but I am torn.
To my mind, the less drilling and filling the better--I am so hesitant to let them drill teeth that do not currently have decay. He confirmed to me that those spots would be under the bands when my son gets his braces. Would it not be feasible to put a sealant on them? Is there any other way to protect these areas short of filling?
If I should choose not to fill them or to follow some other course, will his orthodontist be made aware of this and refuse to apply the braces?
All of this comes on the heels of my having to get an echocardiogram last week just to clear him to play football due to an innocent heart murmur--I feel like I'm getting SOAKED!!
Thank you so much in advance!
Answers:
No, listen to the DDS, those molars on the bottom are going to have cemented bands on them, if you leave them for 2-3 years while he is in ortho he will need root canals and crowns when the bands are removed. My son also had a enamel defect on his molar, and I filled it before the ortho because I knew what would happen, thats how I meet my husband, our son inherited his defected enamel. My mother in-law ignored it and when his braces came off he need 4 root canals, crowns, and numerous fillings because of his decalcified teeth. He spent every week at the dental office for about a year before he asked me out on date. So take it from me first hand fix the defects or pay big time later.