Can I Get Braces if I Have a Dental Implant?
People often ask whether they can have braces put on after having dental implants. Dental implants being a permanent solution for missing teeth, they will integrate into the jawbone, and they will not move like a natural tooth does. Yet, braces and implants can work together to improve your smile! For patients who already have an implant, braces can still shift the natural teeth around the implant in a way to improve your alignment. If you are thinking about getting dental implants and braces, orthodontists will often suggest the orthodontic treatment first to allow for the implant to be placed in an ideal position. If you are considering getting braces with implants, you can speak to your dentist or orthodontist about creating an individualized plan to enhance your oral health, have straighter teeth, while also keeping the implant stable.
Understanding Dental Implants and Their Impact on Orthodontic Treatment
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium artificial roots of teeth that are surgically secure into your jawbone. They provide a reliable and stable foundation for prosthetics in children or adult patients, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, that restores function and aesthetics.
Dental Implants have the following characteristics:
- Natural appearance and function.
- Permanently fused to bone and long-term stability.
- Prevents bone loss and maintains the health of the jaw.
Also, because implants are fixed and do not move like natural teeth, it may impact orthodontic treatment because surrounding teeth will not move. Being knowledgeable in this relationship will help in developing a good orthodontic treatment plan in patients who have dental implants.
Can Braces Be Applied on Dental Implants?
Do Braces Work with Dental Implants?
Braces help to move natural teeth with gentle force to gradually align them correctly. Braces cannot move dental implants, because they are attached to the bone, while natural teeth can be moved.
Can I Get Braces if I Have a Dental Implant?
Yes, you can get braces after a dental implant, but it does involve some considerations:
- Moving Natural Teeth Around the Implant: Braces can move surrounding natural teeth in relation to the implant to create an ideal smile, but the implant will stay in the same position.
- Replacing Crowns or Implants after Braces: If the implant is not ideal, it will be replaced or modified to be aligned after orthodontic treatment.
Ideal Timing: Braces Before or After Implants?
Braces Before Getting Dental Implants
This option is preferable when teeth are crooked and need to be straightened prior to placing the implant. When teeth are straightened first, the implant will have the ideal position after the teeth have been aligned which will result in a more predictable outcome long-term.
Braces After Dental Implants
This option works for a patient who currently has a dental implant. Since implants fuse to the jawbone and cannot move, the orthodontists can focus on aligning the natural teeth, without having to worry about the implant's positioning. The ideal option depends on the dentist's needs for dental implants, and your orthodontist can determine the ideal order to the best thing for straightening and healthier teeth.
How Do Braces Work with Dental Implants?
Braces with implants involve repositioning natural teeth while leaving the implant in place since implants are bonded to the bone and cannot be moved. In some cases, orthodontists may include an implant as a stable anchor to aid in moving other teeth as well.
There are a number of treatment possibilities:
- Reposition Natural Teeth: Braces may reposition natural teeth around the implant for better alignment.
- Using as an Anchor for Braces: Implants can serve as a stable base for controlled tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.
- Replacing the Crown on the Implant: If repositioning after orthodontic treatment looks different, the crown on the implant will likely need to be modified or replaced to accommodate for the newer alignment.
Comparison Table: Braces Before vs. After Dental Implants
| Criteria | Braces Before Implants | Braces After Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Flexibility | Higher | Moderate |
| Implant Position Control | Optimal placement after braces | Fixed implant position |
| Risk of Implant Adjustment | None | May require crown adjustment |
| Bone Preservation | Ensured through alignment | Maintained after implant |
| Overall Cost | Lower in long run | Potential for crown replacement |
| Ideal Candidates | Misaligned natural teeth | Existing implant with alignment needs |
What Happens If an Implant Is Misaligned?
If a dental implant is positioned poorly prior to orthodontic treatment, it may affect the overall positioning of your teeth. Depending on the situation, there are a few options:
- Crown Replacement: After the teeth are aligned, the crown will need to be modified or replaced to better match your alignment.
- Implant Removal and Repositioning: In cases in which the implant is more than just slightly mispositioned, the implant crown may need to be modified or replaced to achieve proper alignment and function.
This will be dependent on how far mispositioned the implant is and if it is warranted. An in-depth consultation with the orthodontist and dentist will provide direction on how to proceed for optimal results.
Benefits of Braces with Dental Implants
- Improved Position of Adjacent Natural Teeth: With braces, natural teeth can be moved into an ideal position around the implant for a more symmetric smile.
- Improved Aesthetics and Function: Straight teeth are aesthetically more gratifying and functional.
- Preservation of Jawbone and Facial Aesthetics: Implants help to maintain jawbone density to help prevent facial sagging and keep structure.
- Improved Oral Hygiene and Health: Maintaining good oral hygiene and cleaning, with straight teeth, is possible that may help in preventing future treatment.
Challenges and Considerations
- Implants Are Fixed and do not Move Like Natural Teeth: Because implants are fused to the jaw, they stay stationary in orthodontic treatment.
- The Implant Crown May Have to be Adjusted: Following treatment with braces, the crown on the implant may need to be adjusted or replaced to be in harmony with the new position of the teeth.
- Consult with both Orthodontics and Implant Methodology Specialists: Establishing a treatment plan with both specialists, ensures a better outcome and long-term oral health.
Final Thoughts: Can You Get Braces with Dental Implants?
Yes, braces and dental implants can work together to improve your smile. While implants remain fixed and cannot move, orthodontic treatment can effectively align your natural teeth around them. Whether you choose to get braces before or after dental implants, consulting with an experienced dental professional ensures that you receive the best treatment plan for achieving a straighter, healthier smile.
Ready to explore your orthodontic options? Contact Radiant Smiles Dental Clinic today to schedule your consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can dental implants be moved with braces?
No, dental implants are fused to the jawbone and cannot be moved like natural teeth. Braces can only reposition the surrounding natural teeth. - Is it better to get braces before or after dental implants?
In most cases, it's better to get braces before dental implants to ensure the correct alignment of teeth. However, if you already have an implant, braces can still align other teeth effectively. - Will I need to replace my implant crown after getting braces?
If the implant was not placed in an ideal position, the crown may need adjustment or replacement after completing orthodontic treatment. - Can braces damage dental implants?
No, braces do not damage dental implants. Since implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, they remain unaffected during orthodontic treatment. - How long does it take to straighten teeth with braces if I have dental implants?
The duration of treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case. Typically, it takes 12 to 24 months to achieve optimal alignment. - Are there alternative options to braces with dental implants?
Yes, clear aligners like Invisalign may be an alternative for aligning teeth around implants without using traditional braces.