Because braces for adults are becoming increasingly popular, many orthodontic patients have already had – or would like to have – other dental treatments. Some adults wonder if braces are compatible with the crowns, dental implants and fillings they have gotten over the years or may still want. That’s where we can help.
As Memphis braces experts, our office aims to answer adults’ dental questions and find the best orthodontic solution for their smile. Although every patient’s situation is unique, here are some of the basics about getting braces with crowns, implants and fillings.
Can I Have Braces with Crowns?
If you already have crowns from previous dental treatment, but you have now decided that you want your teeth straightened, you can still have braces. In the case of traditional metal braces, brackets will just be adhered to the crowns with a different kind of adhesive than they are with natural teeth. A great option for orthodontic patients who have crowns is Invisalign, which consists of a series of clear, removable plastic retainers that don’t require an adhesive.
Crowns can also be used at the end of orthodontic treatment to complete a total makeover for your teeth. For instance, once the teeth have been straightened with braces, crowns can be applied to mask the color or shape of the teeth themselves. With braces and crowns, the teeth can be straight enough to properly chew food for digestion, while also displaying a bright, evenly shaped appearance.
Do Braces and Fillings Work Together?
It’s not uncommon for people with fillings to seek orthodontic treatment. In fact, crooked teeth might have been part of the reason you were prone to cavities in the first place, because food accumulates in gaps between the teeth, while crowded teeth are difficult to clean thoroughly.
Your orthodontist will first assess your whole mouth to determine how to proceed with braces and fillings. The material of your fillings shouldn’t affect your treatment, but bigger fillings may require spacers, which are rubber bands placed around the tooth to provide space for a bracket and bands. All of that being said, any cavities that you have currently will need to be filled before beginning your orthodontic treatment.
Hopefully you won’t acquire cavities while wearing braces, but if you do, you can still get a filling during orthodontic treatment. However, braces are difficult to maneuver around, and occasionally a bracket will need to be removed to complete the filling. Really cavities during orthodontic treatment should be avoided at all costs. If you need advice on how to clean your teeth with braces, please visit our page on caring for braces and feel free to ask us any questions you might have!
Can I Have Dental Implants and Braces?
While pre-existing dental implants can’t be moved with braces, people who have missing teeth can have dental implants placed once their orthodontic treatment is completed. That way, the other teeth are already in position, so the dental implant can be positioned correctly in the space that is left between straight teeth. Dental implants and braces are an option that your orthodontist can discuss with you based on your individual needs.
A Memphis Braces Expert for Adults
We love it when adults are excited to make an investment in their oral health with orthodontics, and we are well prepared to accommodate previous and future dental work with our variety of treatments. If you have more questions about braces with crowns, braces and fillings or dental implants and braces, we are more than happy to talk you through them. Just give our office a call or drop us a line here on our Memphis orthodontics website, and we will get a free consultation scheduled.