How Dental Implants Fit Into Your Orthodontic Journey
Dental implants and orthodontic treatment are both excellent solutions for restoring and improving your smile, but when they intersect, things can become a bit more complex. If you’re considering getting braces or aligners and you already have dental implants or plan to get them, you may be wondering how these two treatments affect each other. At our West Orange orthodontic practice, we often work with patients navigating both, and we’re here to explain how dental implants and orthodontics can work together to help you achieve a healthy, functional smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements that involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone. This post acts like a natural tooth root, supporting a crown that looks and functions like a real tooth. Because the implant is fixed in place and integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration, it becomes a stable and long-lasting part of your dental structure.
Dental implants are a popular solution for missing teeth because they preserve jawbone health, restore chewing function, and improve overall aesthetics. However, their permanence can create certain limitations when it comes to orthodontic movement.
How Do Dental Implants Affect Orthodontic Treatment?
The key factor to understand is that dental implants do not move once they are placed. Unlike natural teeth, which are anchored by periodontal ligaments and can shift during orthodontic treatment, dental implants are fused to the bone and remain stationary. This immobility can affect how your orthodontist approaches your treatment plan.
If you’re planning to straighten your teeth or correct your bite, the presence (or future placement) of dental implants must be carefully considered. Here are a few common scenarios and how we typically handle them:
1. You Already Have Dental Implants
If you already have one or more dental implants and are now seeking orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will develop a customized treatment plan that works around the implants. Since implants can’t move, the teeth around them will be shifted to create a better alignment and overall bite. In many cases, we can still achieve excellent results, but the final outcome will depend on the position and number of implants.
For example, if your implant is located in the back of the mouth, it may have less impact on tooth movement. If the implant is in a more prominent location, such as a front tooth, your orthodontist will need to be strategic in how they design your treatment plan.
2. You Plan to Get Dental Implants After Orthodontic Treatment
This scenario is generally the most straightforward. If you’re missing teeth and plan to get dental implants, it’s usually best to complete your orthodontic treatment first. Braces or clear aligners can move your natural teeth into ideal positions, creating the correct spacing and alignment needed before an implant is placed. Once your teeth are in their proper positions, your dentist or oral surgeon can insert the dental implant in the most optimal spot, ensuring a comfortable bite and natural-looking results.
This approach also prevents the need to work around an immovable implant during orthodontic care, which simplifies the treatment process and leads to better long-term stability.
3. You Need Both Orthodontic Treatment and Dental Implants Now
In some cases, patients may need both dental implants and orthodontic treatment around the same time. When this happens, your orthodontist and dental implant provider will work together to determine the best sequence of care. Sometimes, a temporary solution like a partial denture or a space maintainer can be used until the orthodontic treatment is complete and the implant can be safely placed.
Collaboration between your dental and orthodontic team is crucial in these situations to ensure that your final result is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The Importance of Interdisciplinary Care
When dental implants and orthodontic treatment are both on the table, a collaborative approach is essential. At our West Orange office, we coordinate closely with restorative dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons to ensure your treatment plan is cohesive and customized. We take into account the location of your implants, your bite alignment, jaw position, and long-term oral health goals to craft a plan that delivers optimal results.
Orthodontics Can Support Better Implant Placement
In many cases, orthodontic treatment is actually used to prepare the mouth for dental implants. For instance, if a tooth has been missing for a long time, adjacent teeth may have drifted into the empty space, making it difficult to place an implant. Braces or aligners can move these teeth into the correct position, opening the space for the implant and ensuring a successful restoration. In this way, orthodontics and dental implants can work hand-in-hand to restore your smile in both form and function.
Planning Ahead Is Key
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment and have dental implants or are planning to get them, timing and planning are essential. Every case is unique, and our team at My Orthodontist in West Orange is experienced in developing customized plans that consider both your orthodontic needs and restorative goals.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate your dental history, examine your implant needs, and work with your dental care team to ensure a seamless and successful outcome. Whether you already have implants or are just beginning your smile journey, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
