La Habra/ Chino Hills, CA – More adults than ever before are turning to braces to get the smiles they’ve always wanted. And with one in five patients being over the age of 18, it’s highly likely that many of these patients come to the orthodontist with previous restorative work. So, is orthodontic treatment still a viable option?
“The answer is YES – adults who have had restorative work, such as crowns, bridges, or fillings, can still receive orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Gire. “There are some adjustments we may have to make to treatment but braces are still an option.”
For patients who have crowns or bridges there is one common problem that we face. It is more difficult for the adhesive material to bond to the restoration than it is to the natural tooth. A different bonding process is followed to ensure brackets are strongly adhered to the restorative material. Many patients with crowns or bridges may like the idea of clear aligners such as Spark or Invisalign. The clear aligners don’t require bonding material and can work effectively with restorations.
Cavities that have been filled should have no bearing on your treatment. In fact, if you were prone to cavities prior to treatment you may find once treatment is completed that that is no longer the case. Teeth that are crowded, overlapped, or otherwise misaligned are hard to keep clean, making them more likely to develop decay.
If you have missing teeth and are contemplating dental implants to restore them, it is recommended that you undergo any orthodontic treatment prior to placing the implants. Pre-existing dental implants cannot be moved through orthodontic treatment because they are fused (osseointerated) directly into the jawbone. However, you can undergo orthodontic treatment to align your existing teeth and then have the implants placed once treatment is completed.
“When patients come to us in need of both orthodontic treatment and restorative treatment, we typically recommend they complete our portion first,” says Dr. Gire. “Crowns and bridges can become damaged during orthodontic treatment and while it is typically only cosmetic, you may need to replace your restorations once treatment is completed. If possible, we recommend waiting until after braces.”
The good news is Gire Orthodontics is here to help. Dr. Gire and his team have tremendous experience in treating patients of all ages. No matter what your stage of life or whether or not you have crowns, implants, or bridges, Gire Orthodontics is here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Call today at 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).