Clear aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional braces for people who want to straighten their teeth more discreetly. But what if some of your teeth already have dental work? If you have crowns, bridges, or veneers, you may wonder whether clear aligners are still an option.
The answer isn’t always a simple yes or no. Having dental restorations doesn’t automatically disqualify you from clear aligner treatment, but your dentist will need to evaluate your teeth and restorations before determining whether you’re a good candidate.
Clear Aligners and Dental Crowns
A dental crown covers the visible portion of a tooth, which can affect how a clear aligner grips and moves it. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean crowned teeth can’t be moved with aligners.
Your dentist will look at the location and condition of the crown, the tooth underneath it, and the movement needed to achieve your desired results. In some cases, attachments or other techniques may be used to help an aligner apply the necessary pressure.
It’s also important for your crown to be healthy and secure before beginning orthodontic treatment. If it needs to be repaired or replaced, your dentist may recommend addressing that concern first.
What About Bridges?
Bridges are a little different because they typically connect multiple teeth with a prosthetic tooth in between. Unlike individual teeth, the teeth supporting a bridge aren’t able to move independently in the same way.
Because of this, having a bridge can make clear aligner treatment more complicated. Depending on where the bridge is located and what your treatment goals are, your dentist may recommend a different approach or develop a customized plan that works around the restoration.
Don’t assume that a bridge automatically rules out orthodontic treatment. A professional evaluation is the best way to determine your options.
Can I Straighten Teeth With Veneers?
Veneers are thin restorations bonded to the fronts of teeth to improve their appearance. Since veneers can be damaged or loosened under excessive force, your dentist will want to evaluate them carefully before recommending clear aligner treatment.
Another consideration is that veneers don’t change the natural structure of the tooth underneath them. If your goal is to correct crowding, spacing, or the position of a tooth, your dentist will need to determine whether the desired movement is compatible with your existing veneers.
In some situations, orthodontic treatment may be possible. In others, your dentist may recommend a different sequence of cosmetic and orthodontic treatments to achieve your goals.
Your Treatment Plan Should Be Personalized
If you have crowns, bridges, veneers, or other dental restorations, don’t assume you’re automatically excluded from clear aligner treatment. Your dentist can examine your teeth, restorations, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether ClearCorrect is appropriate for you.
In some cases, existing dental work may need to be repaired, replaced, or incorporated into a customized treatment plan. Planning ahead can also help prevent complications and ensure that your final results complement your restorations.
A straighter smile is possible for many people with previous dental work. The first step is finding out what approach makes sense for your particular smile.
About the Practice
RNR Dentistry in Fair Oaks is led by Dr. Ramona Rivera, DDS, who is passionate about building lasting relationships with patients and helping people of all ages improve their oral health. Dr. Rivera graduated from NYU School of Dentistry in 2010 and completed Loma Linda University’s Maxi Dental Implant program. She is also certified in Invisalign, Six Month Smiles, and adult conscious sedation. Outside the office, Dr. Rivera enjoys traveling, cycling, running, skiing, and spending time with her family.
Call us at (916) 967-2217 or schedule your appointment online