Achieving a straighter smile no longer requires metal brackets and wires. Instead, clear aligner solutions like Invisalign create a more subtle orthodontic experience – one that is also flexible and known for producing faster results. But is this type of treatment possible if you have dental restorations? Can crowns, veneers or a bridge keep you from wearing discreet trays to align your teeth? Keep reading to find out.
The Truth About Restorations & Invisalign
Will a straighter smile be out of reach with Invisalign if you have dental crowns? It depends. Generally, most patients can still wear clear aligners while living with custom restorations; however, your dentist will need to plan accordingly to make sure everything moves smoothly throughout treatment.
For example, dental crowns and veneers simply fit over existing teeth, so if these pearly whites need to move to address improper alignment, they can with Invisalign. One important thing your dentist will consider, though, is removing existing veneers if spatial gaps are the reason for orthodontic treatment.
If you have a dental bridge, its attachment to natural teeth will likely cause it to remain in place. All other teeth will move freely, but if your dentist finds that those affixed to your bridge need shifting as well, your restoration will need to be removed during treatment. When finished with Invisalign, a new bridge can be created to fill the gap in your smile.
Should You Be Concerned About Possible Damage?
Having custom restorations repair your damaged or decayed teeth requires a financial investment on your part, so it’s natural to be concerned about Invisalign potentially damaging your crowns, veneers or bridge.
The reality is that it’s possible, more so with veneers than crowns or bridges. This is because they only fit over the front surfaces of teeth, so they can detach from the enamel or break as your smile moves in the right direction. If this happens, you will need to have new ones created.
Your dentist can provide a more thorough breakdown of how long you can expect your treatment to take when meeting for your initial consultation. With restorations in place, it may be best to slow down the process to minimize any potential complications or damage along the way.
No matter how long it takes for you to see a more perfectly aligned smile, Invisalign can deliver the results you desire while allowing you to continue protecting your pearly whites.
About the Practice
At Universal Dental Group, we are pleased to have two experienced and highly skilled dentists on staff who understand the importance of providing superior dental care that offers protection and improved oral function and aesthetics. When patients arrive at our office looking for a way to straighten their misaligned teeth, we can suggest Invisalign clear aligners even if custom restorations exist. No matter what kind of restorative or cosmetic enhancement you have received over the years (i.e., dental crowns, veneers, a bridge, etc.), we encourage you to visit our website or call (508) 753-1911 to find out how we can help.