Can you get braces with dental implants?
March 7, 2025
If you’re considering braces but already have a dental implant, you might be wondering whether orthodontic treatment is still an option. The good news is that braces can still be possible, but there are some important factors to consider. Since dental implants are fixed in place, they don’t move like natural teeth—so how does that impact your orthodontic journey?
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about wearing braces with dental implants. You’ll learn how different dental restorations, like crowns, bridges, and dentures, affect orthodontic treatment, whether it’s better to get braces before or after implants, and what options are available if you have missing teeth. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the best approach for achieving a straight, healthy smile—no matter your dental history.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. Unlike natural teeth, which are connected to the jawbone by ligaments that allow for slight movement, implants are permanently fused to the bone. As a result, they remain fixed in place and do not shift over time.
This lack of movement is important when considering orthodontic treatment because braces work by applying gradual pressure to reposition teeth. While natural teeth can be guided into better alignment, an implant will stay in its original position. Therefore, the success of orthodontic treatment depends on the location of the implant and whether the surrounding teeth need to be adjusted. In some cases, strategic planning may be required to ensure that braces can achieve the desired results without compromising the stability of the implant.
Braces with Implants
Braces work by applying continuous, gentle pressure to reposition teeth over time. However, since dental implants are permanently anchored into the jawbone, they do not move like natural teeth. This can present unique challenges when undergoing orthodontic treatment, as the implant will remain in place while the surrounding teeth shift.
Whether braces are a viable option depends on several factors, including the location of the implant, the alignment of your remaining natural teeth, and your overall orthodontic goals. If your implant is positioned correctly and does not interfere with the movement of other teeth, braces can still be used to improve your bite and overall alignment. However, if the implant is in a less-than-ideal position, your orthodontist may need to develop a customized treatment plan that works around it.
In some cases, braces can help create better spacing before an implant is placed, ensuring that there is enough room for a properly aligned restoration. If you already have an implant and your orthodontic needs require significant tooth movement, your dentist may discuss the possibility of removing and replacing the implant after braces.
Orthodontists use various techniques to accommodate implants, such as adjusting the placement of brackets, using specialized appliances, or focusing treatment on the surrounding teeth. This personalized approach helps ensure that braces can still be effective in improving your smile while maintaining the stability of your existing dental work.
Braces on Crowns
If you have a dental crown—a cap placed over a natural tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength—you can still get braces. Since the crown is attached to a real tooth with roots, it moves along with the rest of your teeth during orthodontic treatment. However, orthodontists must take extra care to avoid damaging the crown, as it is more fragile than natural enamel.
One of the main concerns with braces on crowns is the attachment of brackets. Traditional braces use strong dental adhesive to bond brackets to teeth, but bonding directly onto a crown can be challenging because of its smooth, polished surface. To improve adhesion, orthodontists may use a special bonding agent designed for crowns.
In some cases, if the crown is older or fragile, orthodontists may use alternative methods, such as orthodontic bands (metal rings that wrap around the tooth) instead of brackets. These bands help distribute pressure more evenly and reduce the risk of dislodging or damaging the crown.
Additionally, if the crown is placed on a tooth that requires significant movement, your orthodontist may recommend replacing it after treatment to ensure a proper bite and aesthetic alignment.
Bridge Teeth with Braces
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the adjacent natural teeth. While bridges restore function and aesthetics, they can complicate orthodontic treatment since they create a rigid connection between multiple teeth, making movement more difficult.
Braces can still be an option, but treatment requires strategic planning. Since the bridge itself cannot move, orthodontists focus on adjusting the surrounding natural teeth while minimizing pressure on the bridge. If minor tooth adjustments are needed, braces can be placed around the bridge without affecting its stability.
However, if the bridge is not properly aligned with the rest of the teeth, your orthodontist may suggest removing and replacing it after orthodontic treatment. In cases where teeth near the bridge need to move significantly, temporary anchorage devices (TADs)—small implants used to provide additional support—may be used to help guide teeth into their proper position.
For those considering orthodontics and bridges, it’s often best to complete braces first and then replace the bridge afterward to ensure the best fit and alignment.
Denture Teeth with Braces
The impact of dentures on orthodontic treatment depends on whether they are partial or full dentures.
- Partial Dentures: These are removable appliances that replace a few missing teeth while keeping the remaining natural teeth intact. Since partial dentures are not permanently fixed, they do not interfere with braces. In fact, braces can help improve the alignment of natural teeth, which may allow for a better-fitting partial denture once orthodontic treatment is complete.
- Full Dentures: These replace an entire arch of teeth, either on the upper or lower jaw. Since full dentures are used when no natural teeth remain, braces are not an option in this scenario. However, if a patient is transitioning from full dentures to dental implants, orthodontic treatment may be recommended beforehand to ensure proper jaw alignment before implant placement.
For patients with a mix of natural teeth and dentures, orthodontists can use braces to optimize the alignment of existing teeth before moving forward with more permanent restorative options like implants or bridges.
Braces Without Teeth
In some cases, people seek orthodontic treatment even if they are missing multiple teeth. Braces can still play a crucial role in these situations by helping to close gaps or create the proper spacing for future dental restorations such as implants, bridges, or dentures.
If teeth have shifted into the spaces left by missing teeth, orthodontic treatment can help move them back into their correct positions. This is especially important before getting dental implants, as implants need adequate space and proper alignment to function correctly.
For those missing several teeth, orthodontists may use specialized techniques, such as temporary anchorage devices (TADs) or custom treatment plans that prioritize stabilizing the bite while preparing for future restorations.
In cases where a patient plans to get multiple implants, it is generally best to complete orthodontic treatment first. This ensures that the implants are placed in precisely the right positions for both function and aesthetics.
Braces After Dental Implants
Getting braces after having a dental implant can be tricky because implants do not move like natural teeth. However, orthodontists can work around the implant by moving the surrounding teeth into a better alignment. If your implant is already in the perfect position, braces can still improve the alignment of your other teeth to create a well-balanced bite.
In some cases, if an implant is in an unfavorable position, your orthodontist may recommend removing and replacing it after orthodontic treatment. This option depends on various factors, including how long the implant has been in place and whether your bite needs significant adjustments.
Braces Before Dental Implants
If you're considering both orthodontic treatment and dental implants, it's often best to get braces first. Since natural teeth can still move, your orthodontist can align them properly before placing a permanent implant. This approach ensures that the implant is positioned in the most optimal location for a functional and aesthetically pleasing result.
Additionally, braces can help create the necessary space for an implant, especially if teeth have shifted into the gap left by a missing tooth. Once the orthodontic treatment is complete, the implant can be placed in the correct spot without interfering with future tooth movement.
Conclusion
Braces and dental implants can coexist, but the best approach depends on your unique dental situation. If you already have an implant, your orthodontist will plan your treatment carefully to work around it. If you’re planning to get an implant, starting with braces first can lead to better results in the long run.
If you’re unsure about your options, consulting with an experienced orthodontist is the best way to determine the right treatment plan for your smile. At Parsons Orthodontics, we’re here to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile, whether you have implants, crowns, or other dental work. Schedule a consultation today to explore your orthodontic possibilities!
