If you lost a tooth in the past, your dentist likely encouraged you to get a dental implant in order to preserve your oral health. If you complied with their recommendation, you made a wise decision — dental implants are amazing! However, you might wonder how the decision to get an implant will affect your prospects for orthodontic treatment. Can you still get braces? In most cases, the answer is yes.
Braces and Dental Implants
There are some significant differences between dental implants and natural teeth. For example, natural teeth are attached to the jawbone via a stretchy ligament. That means they have a natural capacity for movement. Braces use that capacity to shift the teeth into their proper positions. Dental implants, on the other hand, are not secured in place by ligaments. Rather, they are directly bonded with the jawbone. Therefore, braces cannot move them.
The good news is that while braces, clear aligners, and other types of orthodontic treatment cannot move dental implants, there is nothing to stop them from shifting your remaining natural teeth. Your orthodontist can create a custom treatment plan that works around your dental implant to help you achieve the best results possible.
What to Expect with Treatment
Orthodontic treatment with a dental implant is essentially the same as treatment with all of your natural teeth. The braces will get attached to your teeth, and you will visit your orthodontist for periodic checkups and adjustments. Depending on where your implant is, you may or may not have a bracket attached to it. If a bracket is attached, your orthodontist may be using your implant as an anchor point to help move the other teeth.
If you are using clear aligners, they will be designed in a way that does not disturb your implant while still gently repositioning the nearby teeth.
In very rare cases, an implant must be removed prior to orthodontic treatment. This is usually avoided because it can be costly and uncomfortable for the patient.
A dental implant should not be an obstacle in your quest to achieve a confident and well-aligned smile! Trust your orthodontist to design an effective treatment plan that will not harm your prosthetic tooth.
Meet the Practice
Piney Point Dental Implant Center in Houston is proud to specialize in surgical dental implant services. If you are thinking about replacing your missing teeth, or you have questions about whether you should get dental implants or braces first, our team is ready to speak with you. Contact our office at 713-597-7340.