Dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and veneers are common solutions for improving your smile, but what if you want to straighten your teeth later? Many adults wonder if Invisalign clear aligners are an option if they already have dental restorations.
The good news: in many cases, you can still achieve a straighter smile with Invisalign even if you have crowns, bridges, or veneers.
Invisalign and Dental Crowns
If you have dental crowns, you may still be a candidate for Invisalign. Crowns cover and protect damaged teeth, and while Invisalign aligners place gentle pressure on your teeth to move them, they generally do not damage crowns. Your dentist will evaluate the stability of your crown to ensure it can withstand the forces of Invisalign treatment without risk. Attachments (small tooth-colored bumps used to help guide tooth movement) may not adhere as strongly to crowns as to natural teeth, but alternative strategies can be used to help with tooth movement.
Invisalign and Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth by anchoring to the surrounding teeth. Because bridges link teeth together, moving these teeth with Invisalign can be more challenging. However, Invisalign may still be an option if your dentist carefully plans your treatment, focusing on moving teeth that are not part of the bridge or using aligners to improve your bite and alignment around the bridge. Your dentist will determine if Invisalign is appropriate based on the location and size of your bridge.
Invisalign and Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of your teeth to enhance your smile’s appearance. Like crowns, veneers can generally tolerate the gentle pressure from Invisalign aligners without issues. However, your dentist will check the health and stability of your veneers before starting treatment. Invisalign attachments may not stick well to veneers, but your provider can develop a customized treatment plan to accommodate your veneers while still helping you achieve straighter teeth.
Why a Consultation Matters
If you have crowns, bridges, or veneers and are interested in Invisalign, the first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They will assess your dental restorations, oral health, and alignment goals to determine if Invisalign is right for you. In many cases, Invisalign can improve your smile while preserving your existing restorations, giving you the best of both worlds.
Achieve a Straighter Smile, Even with Restorations
Having crowns, bridges, or veneers doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t straighten your teeth with Invisalign. With a personalized treatment plan, you can still achieve a healthier, more confident smile while protecting your existing dental work.
Ready to see if Invisalign is right for your smile?
About the Practice
At Smile by Design in Virginia Beach, we are dedicated to helping patients achieve confident smiles with personalized Invisalign treatment plans, even if you have dental crowns, bridges, or veneers. Our caring team will carefully evaluate your restorations and oral health to create a customized plan that aligns with your goals while preserving your dental work.
Call us at (757) 499-9639 or request an appointment online.