Many people live with frustrating dental alignments problems like gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and overbites that can lead to a host of uncomfortable oral health issues. Invisalign is an excellent way to address mild to moderate misalignments, but you may wonder if you qualify for the treatment if you wear restorative devices like bridges, crowns, or veneers. Here’s a quick look at how Invisalign works and what the treatment looks like for patients who have received restorative appliances.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign straightens a smile using a sequence of customized clear aligners designed to fit snugly over the patient’s teeth to gradually shift them into a healthier alignment. The patient will need to wear each pair of aligners for at least twenty hours a day for about two weeks before switching to the next set in their sequence. These devices are designed to be removed during meals and oral hygiene sessions, which makes the process simpler and more comfortable than traditional braces, and the treatment can usually be completed in six to eighteen months.
Can I Get Invisalign if I Wear Dental Crowns, Bridges, or Veneers?
Invisalign is still possible for patients with restorative appliances like crowns, bridges, and veneers, but the treatment will have to be planned accordingly to prevent unnecessary complications. Before beginning your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will carefully evaluate any restorative devices you have to make sure the teeth supporting them are free from infections and the appliances are stable enough to endure the process. In some cases, your oral health provider may have to repair or replace a restoration.
Can I Get Invisalign if I Have a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone and cannot be shifted into new positions like real teeth. However, Invisalign may still be possible if the restoration mounted on your implant can be repositioned, if the appliance is already well aligned, or if the device is in a non-critical position.
Invisalign may be the ideal way to achieve a straighter, healthier, and more beautiful smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best treatment to achieve a well-aligned grin.
About the Author
Dr. Atluri earned her dental degree at the New York University College of Dentistry and keeps her skills current by participating in continuing education coursework. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy of Clear Aligners. Her office in Arlington offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. If you’d like to learn more about how you can achieve a straighter smile, contact her office online or dial (682) 452-1150.