Many people who want straighter smiles prefer to avoid the hassle, pain, and frustration of having traditional braces cemented to their teeth for the duration of their treatment. As a result, Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to standard orthodontics.
However, you might wonder whether you can successfully undergo this service if your teeth already have a restoration in place, such as a dental crown, bridge, or porcelain veneers. Continue reading to learn more about whether these repairs might prevent you from successfully completing Invisalign!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Unlike braces, which rely on metallic brackets and wires that are notorious for gouging the tender tissues of your mouth, Invisalign utilizes clear, plastic trays that fit snugly over your arches. They exert enough gentle pressure to shift your teeth, but you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily to keep them from drifting back to their original positions.
Then, after about a week or two, you’ll be instructed to switch to the next set in your series, which has slightly altered dimensions to continue forward progress. Many patients complete Invisalign between 12 to 18 months, though your treatment timeline could potentially be shorter or longer, based on your unique circumstances.
Can I Get Invisalign if I Have Dental Restorations?
Restorations like dental crowns, bridges, and veneers can help improve your smile’s appearance and functionality. Whether you required dental work to fix broken teeth or wanted to boost your confidence by addressing aesthetic flaws, it’s natural to wonder whether Invisalign can effectively move pearly whites that have already been restored.
Fortunately, your dentist may still be able to provide Invisalign, but they may need to take a few extra steps to ensure your treatment is successful. For instance, they’ll need to examine your teeth and gums and address any pre-existing issues, like cavities or gum disease. They may also need to verify that your restoration is positioned correctly and remains firmly bonded in place before approving your orthodontic service.
Can My Restorations Negatively Affect Invisalign?
However, there’s still a chance that your previous treatment might impact your orthodontics. For instance, dental bridges are used to replace one or several missing teeth, and because they’re anchored firmly on both sides, they have a limited range of motion. Your dentist may also need to adjust your aligners to ensure they fit correctly and don’t place undue stress on your veneers or dental crown, which could potentially destabilize or dislodge them.
Although it can depend on your unique circumstances and current condition, if your teeth and restorations are both in good shape, it’s possible to complete Invisalign treatment without any issues!
About the Practice
At BridgeMill Dental Care, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to helping you build and maintain your healthiest and most beautiful smiles. Dr. Candon, Dr. Carver, and Dr. Squatrito collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, including Invisalign. If you already have a veneers, a dental crown, or a dental bridge and are wondering if you can still straighten your teeth, you can request a consultation on the website or call (803) 650-3925.