I want to replace three missing teeth with implants, but also want Invisalign if I can afford it. Otherwise, I will settle for braces with clear brackets. Should I do dental implants or Invisalign first? Thank you. Tremaine in Mobile, AL

Tremaine,

Thank you for your question.

Should You Get Dental Implants or Braces First?

If you wonder whether to get dental implants or braces first, consider the facts about how each treatment works and will affect the other. Ultimately, a dentist will recommend treatment options after an exam and a three-dimensional CT scan.

Dental Implants

• After a dentist inserts implants, they fuse with your jawbone in three to six months.
• Implant fixtures are titanium, although some are zirconia.
• If you lack jawbone density, a dentist may recommend bone grafting.
• Unlike natural teeth, implants do not contain ligaments that will stretch and move during orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic Treatment

• Orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, precisely aligns your teeth.
• A dentist may use orthodontic treatment to move teeth and make room for dental implants.
• Although braces will move your natural teeth, dental implants will not move. If you already have dental implants, a dentist must carefully plan your orthodontic treatment to ensure your implants do not damage your teeth.

Dental Implants After Braces – What Can You Expect?

In most cases, a dentist will recommend braces before dental implant surgery. As teeth move with treatment, they get damaged if they get too close to dental implants. Some patients need braces, although they already have dental implants. A skilled dentist will plan carefully to avoid damaging teeth and their roots.

Implant placement

Dental implants are rigid and anchored in your jawbone. If you do not have implants but want to replace missing teeth with them, a dentist will develop a treatment plan to match your goals.

 

Request a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to get natural-looking dental implant crowns. The dentist will coordinate your care for orthodontic treatment and dental implants for replacing missing teeth.

San Antonio prosthodontist and cosmetic dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado sponsors this post.