You might consider getting a dental implant or replacement tooth when you have a missing tooth. But what if your tooth has been missing a while, and your teeth have begun to close the gap? Your orthodontist may recommend braces or Invisalign, and you naturally wonder, “Can Invisalign make space for an implant?” The short answer is yes, Invisalign can adjust your teeth to make room for an implant.
How Missing Teeth Affects You
Over 178 million smiles in the United States missing one or more teeth. That is an astonishing statistic that continues growing daily. One of the consequences of missing teeth is a change in a person’s bite, causing changes in their ability to eat.
Many additional problems can affect you if you have missing teeth:
- Bone loss along the jawbone
- Tooth decay
- Difficulty chewing
- Chronic headaches can be caused by Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
- It can affect what you eat, causing nutritional issues
- Self-esteem and confidence may be lower
Although it used to be a huge problem, with ineffective treatment methods that only created temporary solutions, there is now a permanent solution with implant technology.
You might be a candidate for an implant if:
- You are missing one or more teeth
- Your jawbone is finished growing
- Your jawbone has not deteriorated too much
- You have good oral health
- You don’t want or can’t wear dentures
Talk to the Aesthetic Dental Group about a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
Why Get an Implant
Let’s explore some of the options for replacing missing teeth. A partial denture can offer a removable tooth that fills the gap and creates a good look, but there are drawbacks. They don’t always remain in place while eating and can become stained. Dental bridges anchor a replacement tooth to adjoining teeth, creating a “bridge” to keep the replacement tooth in place. Although bridges can last many years, they may weaken over time as the adjoining teeth shift.
It is always recommended to replace a missing tooth. Most dentists are familiar with implants. It is currently the only permanent tooth replacement method available. An implant tooth is anchored directly into your jawbone and acts exactly like a natural tooth. The benefits of getting an implant include the following:
- Increased chewing efficiency
- Clearer speaking
- Better tooth alignment
- Support of facial muscles (decreases wrinkles)
- Prevention of bone loss
- Natural appearance
- Great comfort
- Easy oral hygiene
- Durability
If you want a permanent replacement tooth to restore your smile, implants are the best option.
How Implants Work
Dental implants are installed using a surgical procedure. The process starts by drilling a placement hole in the jawbone and then threading a titanium screw into the hole. After the initial process, there will be a waiting period to allow the titanium screw to fuse with the bone. This becomes the root of your replacement tooth. The dentist may add a temporary crown on the screw placement to protect it while it heals.
Once the screw fuses to your jawbone, a permanent replacement tooth will be attached to the screw. Your replacement tooth will be the same color and size as your natural teeth, so it blends into your smile.
How Orthodontists Integrate Implants with Invisalign
Some dentists may recommend beginning with Invisalign treatment when you get an implant to create a wider space for your replacement tooth. Once installed, dental implants do not move. They can be integrated into your alignment seamlessly using Invisalign to adjust the teeth around the implant.
How Can Invisalign Make Space for Implants?
Invisalign is a tray alignment system that uses gentle pressure to push teeth into alignment. If you are getting a replacement tooth, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend a series of tray aligners to create or expand the space necessary to place your implant. This allows them to correct alignment issues before placing the implant.
While it may seem counterproductive, there is a good reason behind this practice. Once an implant is in place, it will not move or shift like the rest of your teeth. It is easier to align teeth without the replacement tooth in place and also ensures that the replacement tooth is aligned with the remainder of your natural teeth.
The doctor can ensure there is adequate space for your replacement tooth by using a “pontic” or fake tooth in the alignment tray to hold the space. This also creates the illusion of a complete smile without the missing tooth. As your teeth shift into alignment, the space for your implant remains intact.
Using Invisalign with Existing Implants
If you already have implants, you can still use Invisalign to align your remaining natural teeth. Implants will not move during Invisalign treatment, but the trays can shift the adjoining teeth to create your perfect smile. Invisalign can also work around other dental procedures, such as bridges and crowns.
Most dentists and orthodontists prefer to have a patient undergo Invisalign treatment before major dental or reconstructive work.
Can Invisalign Help with Your Orthodontic Problems?
Invisalign is the perfect tool to correct alignment issues. It has proven to be so effective that it can help correct minor to complex alignment problems in most patients. Because it is nearly invisible, it is popular with teens and adults alike as an alternative to traditional metal braces.
The tray alignment system also effectively prepares for reconstructive dental work such as implants, bridges, and crowns. Using 3D imaging, it is possible to configure Invisalign to create space for future implants. The technology also makes other procedures more straightforward and more precise. Rather than guessing, the computer software designs your corrective appliances for a perfect fit.
Invisalign can be helpful for orthodontic corrections before or after the implant process. If you want to find out how the doctor can use Invisalign to transform your smile, contact Aesthetic Dental Group.
We Have the Solutions You Need
At Aesthetic Dental Group, Drs. Monika Chan and John Cross work together to provide the best dental and orthodontic care for your entire family. They successfully integrate dentistry and orthodontics to create beautiful, healthy smiles. You can begin today by using our online Appointment Request to schedule your first visit.
We look forward to meeting you.