What to do first? Implants or Orthodontics?
Your smile is the first thing a person will notice about you.
Minor orthodontic conditions, such as crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth or misalignments such as underbites, overbites and crossbites are common and they are nothing to be ashamed of.
However, many people with crooked teeth are self-conscious about their mouth, or the look of their smile and will seek teeth straightening treatments like braces or Invisalign.
In the same way, if you have lost a tooth due to trauma, infection or gum disease, then you may be considering tooth replacement options.
Here are Dorset Dental Implants we are here to provide the dental solutions which are right for your needs.
What happens if I need orthodontics and treatment for tooth loss?
Having more than one oral condition or problem is very common. Many patients wonder if both conditions can be dealt with using one treatment only.
While this is possible in some cases, if you need orthodontic and tooth replacement treatment, then you will need separate treatments.
- Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing or broken teeth. They are made up of a titanium rod which is placed into the jaw, and a prosthetic porcelain tooth which is screwed on top.
- They are intended to last as long as a natural tooth, and look and feel like one too.
- Dental implants are not designed to fix tooth alignment, but replace your teeth after you have lost them.
- In extreme cases of misalignment, there will be an option to extract the teeth and put an implant in its place.
Can dental implants become crooked?
Though they do not treat misalignment, dental implants prevent crooked teeth because they are surgically placed. If placed properly then they will not become crooked.
They are specifically designed to mimic your natural tooth root and are placed to prevent the misalignment, shifting and jawbone loss that is caused by missing teeth.
Can I get an implant if I have crooked teeth?
There are many reasons why teeth can become crooked:
- Baby or adult teeth can come in crooked
- Prolonged habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing
- Hereditary or genetic reasons
- Trauma or injury
- Jaw size
- Malocclusions (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Poor dental and oral hygiene
- Bad diet and nutrition
- Overcrowded teeth
Additionally, if left alone, a missing tooth can lead to misalignment as teeth will shift and move into the gap that has been left. In cases like this, there will not be space for your implant.
As a result, you will need orthodontic treatment to straighten and restore the structure of the teeth before an implant can be placed properly.
This is why it is important to act quickly if you have a missing tooth and seek dental assistance.
Call a dental expert today on 01202 973 300.
If you have missing teeth, is it better to replace them than opt for orthodontic treatment?
What if I have overcrowded teeth?
If you need orthodontic treatment for overcrowding, then you may need some teeth extracted.
These extracted teeth will not need to be replaced with implants. This is because the teeth have been taken out to ease the straightening process.
Dental implants can be an anchor for braces
If you are wondering whether you can get braces if you have dental implants, then the simple answer is yes.
- Generally, either traditional braces or Invisalign can be used if your implants are in good condition.
- Unlike natural teeth, implants cannot move in the jaw, but they can act as a good anchor for braces and therefore help with the orthodontic process.
- If your dental implants are in the incorrect position, then they cannot be moved.
If you are concerned with the alignment of your implant, talk to your dentist immediately.
What if I don’t want braces?
In some cases, people with crooked teeth may need an implant, but do not want their teeth aligned.
This will depend on the severity of the misalignment. If your teeth are extremely crooked then there may not be enough space to position an implant.
However, if an implant can fit, then it can be placed in line with your crooked teeth.
Following this, if you do opt for orthodontic treatment to fix your crooked smile, then you will have to have the implant removed as it will not realign with braces like a natural tooth.
If I wear braces, can I have an implant placed?
If you have braces, then you will need to wait for the orthodontic treatment to be complete before you have an implant placed.
Braces will have straightened your teeth, and moved them into their ideal location, so there will be enough space for an implant, and your dentist will be able to easily align it with your newly straightened teeth.
What should I do first? Implants or braces?
If your oral condition requires you to have both braces and an implant to improve the alignment of your crooked teeth, then it is recommended that you have orthodontic treatment first.
- The braces will re-position the teeth so they are in an optimum position to support your implant.
- In some situations, it can be more beneficial to opt for an implant before you have braces fitted, but every case is different.
Get in touch:
Here at Dorset Dental, we are committed to restoring your smile and providing you with high-quality treatment.
Call us today on 01202 973 300