Straighten & Replace: Is It Possible to Get Braces with Dental Implants?

Both dental implants and orthodontic treatments are big investments of time and money. However, they offer a variety of unique benefits to your oral health and confidence that make them well worthwhile to most patients! If you’re considering getting braces after dental implants, read below to learn the ins-and-outs of how that would work, as well as what you can expect from the process.

Can You Get Braces with Dental Implants?

The question of whether it’s possible to get braces while you have dental implants is a little complex. It’s both “yes” and “no” because while your teeth can still be shifted and aligned, the titanium dental implants that have fused with your jawbone cannot be moved. This is because they aren’t supported by flexible tissues and ligaments like your natural teeth are.

In short, you can get braces if you already have dental implants. However, the process will involve meticulous treatment planning, making sure that your orthodontic appliance doesn’t compromise the health and stability of your new replacement teeth.

 Who is a Good Candidate for Braces with Dental Implants?

If you already have dental implants, you may be eligible to get braces if it’s only the teeth around your implant-retained restorations that need to be aligned. The best way to learn whether you’re a good candidate is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They’ll examine X-rays of your mouth and conduct a thorough inspection of your teeth and gums to determine if braces are right for you.

Different Types of Orthodontic Treatment

Today, you don’t just have braces to choose from if you need to straighten crowded, crooked, and gapped teeth. If you qualify for the method, you can also choose between clear aligners. These cover the entire arch of your teeth, placing strategic and gentle amounts of pressure on the areas of your mouth that need to be shifted to create a more harmonious row of teeth. While this may be an option for some patients, it’s also important to consider that certain situations may warrant the use of traditional metal braces instead.

If you’re on the fence about whether or not you want to straighten your smile after replacing missing teeth with dental implants, schedule a consultation with your dentist to find out what that process would look like today. From there, you’ll be able to start your journey towards an even healthier and happier smile.

About the Author

Dr. Arrechea has over two decades of experience practicing dentistry. Over those years, she has completed countless continuing education courses and trainings to allow her to offer a wide array of dental services under one roof, ranging from dental implants to orthodontic treatment. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Daily Smiles Dental Dallas’ website or call 214-233-9460.