Dental implants can help you regain a full and perfect smile by replacing any teeth you might have lost. They can be used in combination with other techniques, such as orthodontic work, to completely revitalize your smile. If you require both implants and braces, it is best to complete your treatment with braces first.
Braces and Dental Implants
If you are having a smile makeover that includes both braces and implants, you’ll probably have your orthodontic treatment before your implant dentist places your implants. While you’re wearing braces, your teeth will be gradually moving, shifting to the correct position during the course of your treatment. By contrast, once an implant is set into place, it is permanent. So it makes sense to move all your other teeth into the correct position before adding an implant that cannot be moved.
The only exception to this is if your orthodontist or implant dentist wants to place an implant to use as an anchor for your braces. In this case, the implant will be set into place first, then braces are attached to the tooth portion of the implant. If any other implants are necessary, they will be placed after your orthodontic treatment is completed.
Implants to Replace Your Teeth
Implants are an excellent choice for tooth replacement. They look, feel, and function just like your original teeth. Because the implant is anchored with an artificial root, it helps stimulate your jawbone to grow rather than atrophying, which often happens when lost teeth are not replaced, or when they are replaced with dentures.
The other advantage to implants is that they are permanent and stationary. They will not move or shift in your mouth, so you can eat and talk with confidence. You won’t have to change your diet at all, because implants can handle foods like apples, corn on the cob, or other types of food that are difficult to eat with dentures. With your new implants and completed orthodontic treatment, your smile will be the best it can be.
Call the office of Dr. Brad Crump to discuss your options and future with dental implants.