Can You Get Braces If You Have a Dental Implant?

Unlike natural teeth, dental implants don't move over time. This fact means that the natural teeth surrounding a dental implant may change position as a person ages. But can you still straighten your teeth with braces if you have a dental implant?

Although braces won't move a dental implant, you may still be able to undergo orthodontic treatment with a dental implant. There are several scenarios in which you can get braces with a dental implant.

You can get braces for teeth that aren't near the implant

When a dental implant is not in the same area as the teeth that require orthodontic treatment, you can get braces. For instance, if your dental implant is in the back of your mouth, you can get braces for the front teeth. This is a good option if your front teeth have become crooked over time. Your dentist will only move the front teeth with braces and never involve the dental implant.

Your dentist can use the implant as an anchor point

Because dental implants are firmly embedded in the jawbone, they can make good anchor points to assist in moving surrounding teeth. Using the dental implant as an anchor, an orthodontist can pull teeth away from or towards a dental implant.

You can replace the dental crown on your dental implant

One issue that arises when undergoing braces with a dental implant is that the implant and crown no longer match the surrounding teeth after the braces are removed. For instance, there may be a large gap on either side of the dental implant. Fortunately, you can overcome this issue by replacing the dental crown on the dental implant.

By changing the shape of the new dental crown, your dentist can help your dental implant blend into your newly improved smile.

You can move the dental implant after orthodontic treatment

If your dental implant looks out of place after orthodontic treatment, you can have the entire implant repositioned. However, if you do choose to move the dental implant, you'll have to wait several months for the implant to integrate with your jawbone and heal properly.

Alternatively, you could simply leave your dental implant where it is. This might be an option if the dental implant looks slightly out of place but is not in your smile zone.

If you have a dental implant and you want to get braces to straighten your natural teeth, book an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist can examine your teeth and help you decide how best to approach orthodontic treatment with a dental implant.