What To Expect When Getting Braces Over Preexisting Dental Work

Braces aren't just for kids, though getting this type of cosmetic dentistry done as an adult or as someone with preexisting dental work like fillings, implants, or crowns can be a little more tricky. Nevertheless, even if you have had prior work done on your teeth, there are ways you can work toward getting your teeth straightened. Here's what to expect with some common types of dental work.

Braces with Fillings

Fillings are some of the most versatile dental treatments to work with when it comes to braces because fillings don't prevent your tooth from moving just as it would without a filling. Regardless of where on your tooth a filling is, a brace can still be attached. What generally happens, if you're using braces with brackets, is that a different type of adhesive is used on the brackets that go over fillings. This is generally enough to ensure the safety of your filling and your teeth and shouldn't cause any damage.

Before you get braces, any cavities will need to be filled and gum problems addressed, and any current fillings may need to be checked to see if they're still tight and secure. If your orthodontist decides that braces that use adhesives won't work, you may be able to use aligners that don't use adhesives instead, such as removable plastic aligners.

Braces with Implants

Implants might seem harder to work with because they cannot be moved unlike the rest of your teeth, but whether you have implants already or will get them after braces, implants can be worked with as well.

If you have implants already, one method your orthodontist can use is moving the rest of your teeth based on the position of your implants. This would leave your implant untouched, which can be more convenient, but slightly limiting. Another option is to replace the top of your implant once your alignment is complete; while the implant itself can't be moved, the crown can be altered slightly to help it fit in better with the rest of your aligned teeth.

If you're getting implants after treatment is finished, you may get a temporary implant while your teeth are moving to help your orthodontist decide the best placement for your permanent implant and also to make sure that the rest of your teeth make room for where the implant will be. Either way, straightening is an option regardless of whether you have implants or not.

Braces with Crowns and Veneers

Working with crowns and veneers is similar to working with fillings, though veneers especially are more prone to cosmetic damage than fillings are.

Putting braces over a crown is like working with a filling in that you will likely get a different adhesive used on crowns. Otherwise, it's safe to use brackets, though they will need to be monitored more closely. Veneers, however, will probably need braces that don't use adhesives or brackets, because while they can be safely moved, they're more susceptible to damage that would require veneers to be replaced after your braces are off. In these cases, invisible aligners are less likely to cause any problems that need to be fixed after your alignment is finished.

Contact a company like Carolina Forest Family Dentistry in order to learn more.


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