Invisalign is a common treatment option for patients looking to straighten their smiles. Even if you've had prior dental work such as veneers, crowns, or implants, Invisalign orthodontic treatment still may be an option for straightening your teeth.
Do you have complex bite issues, mild crowding, or just want a straighter-looking smile? Your dentist might recommend Invisalign clear aligners as a treatment option to help straighten your teeth and resolve orthodontic issues.
With many adults now deciding they'd like to straighten their teeth later in life, it's likely that some of these individuals will have had prior dental work done including implants, veneers, or crowns. Today our Surrey dentists explain a bit more on how prior dental work can impact the use of clear aligners as orthodontic treatment.
How can missing teeth impact my smile?
Missing teeth can have a significant negative effect on oral health. Besides leaving a gap in your mouth, missing teeth can also lead to misalignment in your remaining teeth and bite, and can cause gradual bone loss that can result in facial collapse.
Fortunately, even if you've had dental treatments such as dental implants to replace missing teeth, you might still be able to use Invisalign.
Invisalign After Veneers
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Even if you've had veneers put in, or are considering veneers, you can still be a candidate for Invisalign provided your teeth are healthy enough—the aligners will fit over the veneers in the same way they do over a natural tooth.
Your dentist will be able to let you know if Invisalign is the right decision for you.
Invisalign After Crowns
If you have bridges or crowns, your dentist will do an assessment to determine if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign. For Invisalign clear aligners to be right for you, your teeth should be well-rooted and your crowns should be attached and firmly sealed to your teeth.
If your dentist deems your teeth are suitable for Invisalign, your crowns should not get in the way of creating your Invisalign trays as they are custom-fit to each patient. Your dentist may create clear attachments for the teeth to protect the crown and ensure that it remains intact
Invisalign After Dental Implants
In most cases, you will be able to get Invisalign after dental implants. However, whenever possible it is recommended you go through the process of straightening your teeth before the dental implants are put into place.
A dental implant cannot be moved like a regular tooth—it is permanently fixed to your jaw bone. If you have dental implants and are considering Invisalign, your dentist will take this into consideration to determine if clear aligners are suitable for your situation. If you have one or two dental implants, Invisalign treatment can usually be customized to move the teeth adjacent to the implant for a successful outcome. The more dental implants you have, the harder this process becomes.