Do You Need to Straighten Your Smile Before Dental Implants?
by Lonnie Bryant
When you have a tooth or teeth missing, it can be tempting to get dental implants as soon as possible. However, it's important to think about what you want your smile to look like after your implants. Do you have a misaligned bite or crooked teeth? If the space where your missing tooth used to be has widened, will you be okay with having gaps between your implant and your existing teeth? If you're hoping to get the perfect smile you've already dreamed of, you'll need to get your alignment issues fixed first. Here's what you need to know about getting braces or clear aligners before your implants.
Why Does Orthodontic Treatment Need to Come First?
If you're eager to get implants as soon as possible, you may be wondering why you need prolong the procedure. While seeking orthodontic treatment after you've had your implant seems preferable, it won't work for one simple reason: Teeth move and implants don't.
When you get implants, your surgeon will insert a titanium screw into your jawbone which acts like the root of your tooth. This metal post is fixed directly into the bone. Many people believe the root of a real tooth works in the same way, but this isn't the case. Your teeth are actually attached to your bone by flexible ligaments that allow your teeth to move in your jaw. Orthodontic appliances work by manipulating those ligaments.
As a result, braces and clear aligners will only affect your natural teeth. If you attempted to use either of these after having implants fitted, only some of your teeth would be realigned, and the pressure could cause problems for the implant itself. By fixing your alignment issues before getting implants, you can avoid this problem and ensure that you'll be able to get the smile you're hoping for.
How Can You Improve Your Smile's Appearance While Waiting For Implants?
Since one of the main reasons people get implants is to improve their smile, it can be disheartening to go longer than expected with missing teeth. However, there is a way to hide your missing tooth while undergoing straightening. Ask your orthodontist about 'temporary teeth' for your clear aligners. Made from a dental composite material, these temporary teeth are placed in your aligner to look like teeth, hiding any gaps in your teeth while your bite is being straightened. Clear aligners can also be used in conjunction with teeth whitening treatments to ensure that your smile fits the shade of white you like before you choose an implant colour. This treatment method is a great way boost your self-esteem and make it easier to wait for implants.
Talk with orthodontists about the best treatment methods for your misaligned and missing teeth.
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About Me
There are more than two ways to straighten a smile, and in this blog, I plan to discuss them all. I plan to look at the differences between braces and retainers and explain why sometimes you may need them both. I look at the differences in cost, time commitment and efficacy. Personally, I have had a bit of experience with this subject – I had braces as a young teen, and I had a permanent retainer. In this blog, I discuss what I have learned, and I present all kinds of new information on the topic. Whether you are trying to make decisions for yourself or your child. I hope you find this information useful.