How Metal Braces and Dental Implants Work Together

You might be wondering — what do braces and dental implants have in common? Can they be used together, or are they completely separate treatments? Whether you already have an implant or are planning to get one, understanding how braces and implants work together is key to achieving a healthier, more aligned smile.

Dental implants are fixed replacements for missing teeth. They’re designed to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth — both in appearance and function. Braces, whether traditional or invisible, are used to shift your teeth into the right position. While the two serve different purposes, they can often complement each other when planned correctly.

In this article, we’ll cover the key things you should know when it comes to combining braces and dental implants:

Table of Contents

Let’s break it all down below.

1. Braces Before Implants Attached

It is always recommended to do orthodontic treatment before getting dental implants (fake teeth). This is because braces will allow your teeth to gradually move and fix your teeth alignment. Once your teeth are aligned, implants can be placed without looking out of place.

2. Braces After Implants Attached

You can still wear braces after you get an implant (fake teeth). However, it is more likely that your natural teeth will move but your implant will stay in the same position as it is attached and fixed to the bone. Getting braces with a dental implant will have no adverse effect on your natural teeth.

3. How Do Braces and Implants Work Together?

An implant (fake teeth) won’t affect your ability to receive braces treatment – only in certain cases where the teeth surrounding the implant are not designed for orthodontic treatment. If your implant is being placed at the back of your mouth, you can proceed with the implant before the braces.

As we age, our teeth tend to crowd more towards the front. This implies that the non-movable implant may begin to appear out of place over time. If an implant is positioned appropriately compared to the other teeth, braces can be used to move the teeth around it.

If your implant is not in the ideal position, it will look out of place once the rest of your teeth are aligned. In that case, you either can elect to have a slightly less than perfect smile, or to remove the implant, receive the orthodontic treatment, and replace the implant at the end of the treatment.

4. How Do Invisible Braces Work with Implants?

If you plan on using aligners instead of metal braces, the same still applies. You will be advised to go through the orthodontic treatment first, then only the dentist will apply the fitted implant in a more inner position, allowing your natural teeth to adjust to the positioning of your implant when wearing invisible braces.

It’s best to consult both your dentist and orthodontist to discuss your goals, so they can personalise a treatment plan that suits your needs. Ready to take the first step? Start with a free smile consultation today.

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