Since it was introduced in the late nineties, Invisalign has become an incredibly popular alternative to traditional braces. By straightening teeth with virtually invisible clear aligners, Invisalign allows patients to achieve a straighter smile without the conspicuous metal parts or often frustrating dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. While Invisalign is well-known for straightening out natural teeth, patients with crowns, bridges, or veneers might wonder if they can benefit from the treatment. Here’s what you should know about getting Invisalign if your teeth have crowns, bridges, or veneers.
Can Braces Work if I Have Crowns, Bridges, or Veneers?
Traditional metal braces can work for patients with crowns, bridges, or veneers, but they can complicate the process. Traditional braces use wires and metal parts to create tension that shifts teeth into better positions, and the strain of this tension can cause crowns, bridges, or veneers to break away from the teeth they are attached to. This represents a significant setback in one’s orthodontic treatment. Sometimes, this issue is addressed by using orthodontic bands to attach braces to dental restorations, but this is not always an option.
Can Adults with Crowns, Bridges, or Veneers Get Invisalign?
The good news is that adults with crowns, bridges, or veneers can often be great candidates for Invisalign. While teeth with dental crowns can be problematic to treat with braces, Invisalign can often straighten them out much more easily. Similarly, Invisalign can often be used to treat patients with bridges or veneers, as the removable clear aligners do not require any cement that can stress these restorations.
However, traditional braces are usually the most effective orthodontic option, and Invisalign is usually unsuitable for patients with complex or severe alignment issues.
There’s no reason to give up on a straighter smile if you wear dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or veneers. Consulting with your orthodontist can determine if any orthodontic treatment is a good fit for you.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the prestigious University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2007 and has served as President of the Collier County Dental Association. He is proud to hold memberships with the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Team for Implantology, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Naples Chamber of Commerce. His office in Naples, FL offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign. To schedule an Invisalign consultation, contact his office online or dial (239) 261-5566.