You can still achieve a straighter smile with braces, even if you have crowns or bridges. Our orthodontists in Surrey answer questions like 'Can you get a crown with braces?' and discuss the benefits of having orthodontic treatment even though you have restorations.
What are braces, and what do they do?
Braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets, wires, and bonding material attached to teeth. They are designed to correct crowding, crookedness, jaw misalignment, or malocclusion.
These orthodontic devices apply continuous pressure on the teeth and jaws, progressively shifting their positions and enhancing the smile. The brackets, which are glued to the front of the teeth, secure the archwire, applying pressure to move the teeth into the correct alignment over time.
The periodontal ligaments surrounding the teeth and bone anchor the teeth in position and can stretch or compress as teeth shift. For instance, when braces move a tooth to the right, the ligament on the right compresses while new bone develops on the left to fill the resultant gap.
What are dental restorations?
Restorative dental care aims to fix or replace teeth, improving oral health and chewing function. These procedures are typically carried out by general dentists. Common restorative procedures include crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures.
Maintaining lasting oral health often includes restorative dental care. By repairing damaged or decayed teeth, dentists help restore the functionality of your smile, which may improve your ability to eat, speak, and chew.
Can you still get braces with a crown or bridges?
A common question among patients undergoing restorative treatment is, 'Can you get braces with a crown or bridge?'. Fortunately, braces can usually be used with both, although some adjustments to the treatment may be necessary.
For fixed bridges, the primary challenge lies in their design for stability and fixation, which can limit the movement of the teeth involved compared to natural teeth. Even so, orthodontists may still be able to shift the surrounding teeth to improve overall alignment. Clear aligners might be an option in certain situations if movement around the bridge is constrained.
In the case of crowns, braces are generally applicable without significant issues. It is essential to take special precautions to prevent the brackets or aligners from damaging the crown, and the specific type of crown (such as porcelain, metal, or ceramic) will impact the treatment approach.
Can you get braces with a root canal and crown?
Many patients ask if they can get braces after a root canal procedure. The answer is yes. It is possible to have braces after a tooth has been successfully treated and the crown has been placed. Before starting braces or making further adjustments, your orthodontist should evaluate whether your mouth has fully healed from the root canal treatment. If all is well, you will be able to begin your orthodontic treatment.
Considerations for Orthodontic Treatment with Restorations
If you have dental restorations such as crowns or bridges, then there may be a few considerations to keep in mind while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Crowns
You can still shift teeth with crowns or veneers. A different method is usually required to attach braces to these teeth compared to ones without restorations. While there is a slight chance of minor marks on the ceramic when removing glue from orthodontic equipment, polishing can restore the ceramic to its original appearance after treatment.
Bridges
Undergoing orthodontic treatment when you have a fixed bridge is usually possible, but your orthodontist might need to tweak the treatment plan a bit. Bridges are designed to be secure, meaning the teeth part of the bridge don’t shift as freely as natural teeth do. As a result, this can limit the degree of movement that braces can accomplish in that specific area.
Clear Aligners for Crowns & Bridges
Patients with crowns or bridges may find that clear aligners offer a less invasive solution. Clear aligners such as Invisalign eliminate the need for brackets or wires, appealing to those worried about how traditional braces might affect their dental work. These aligners gradually move teeth into position while reducing the chances of harming crowns or bridges.
Why You Should be Treated by an Orthodontist
Orthodontists are dental professionals with specialized training (two to three additional years beyond dental school) in growth, development, safe tooth movement, and jaw alignment. This helps them to diagnose and manage complex cases effectively. They thoroughly evaluate a patient’s oral health, assessing facial balance, bite issues, jaw alignment, and tooth positioning. This complete evaluation supports the creation of an effective treatment plan.
Your orthodontist will focus on the alignment of your teeth and the overall balance of your face, helping you achieve a stable and functional bite for years to come. This forward-thinking approach helps to achieve and maintain functional smiles.