Invisalign and Dental Restorations: What You Need to Know

Are you considering straightening your smile with Invisalign but have dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or veneers? Some patients have reservations about undergoing the treatment because they don’t know how their restorations will interact with the trays. If these concerns are holding you back from a straighter smile, continue reading. You’ll learn all about how dental restorations and Invisalign treatments get along.

Does Invisalign Work with Dental Restorations?

The short answer is yes! Invisalign works well with all types of dental restorations but may require some modifications to the treatment plan. Invisalign puts pressure on your teeth, gently guiding them into their desired positions. This pressure can be changed based on the design of your aligners and the inclusion of attachments if needed.

How Invisalign Functions with Different Restorations

Your dentist may need to make changes to your treatment plan if you have dental restorations. Depending on the type, they may even need to modify the aligners themselves. Here are some common ways dentists make Invisalign work:

Crowns: Dental crowns are placed over severely damaged or decayed teeth to strengthen and protect them. Before you begin Invisalign treatment, your dentist will check to make sure the crown is secure, and the underlying tooth is strong enough. If not, your aligners can be molded to move your teeth slower, reducing pressure.

Bridges: Dental bridges present a unique problem with orthodontic treatment because of the gap between the teeth where the pontic sits. However, Invisalign can be customized to work around your bridge. If the teeth in the restoration need to be moved, the bridge may be sectioned to accommodate this.

Veneers: These are thin porcelain shells placed over the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Invisalign treatment can often be combined with veneers, but careful planning is needed to ensure minimum interference.

Will Invisalign Damage My Dental Restorations?

Invisalign is generally considered safe to use with these restorations and is far gentler compared to traditional braces. This is because wire braces must be adhered to the teeth to function properly. This is because the constant tension can potentially cause a break or dislodgement. Your aligners can be removed, providing some relief.

Because of its flexibility, Invisalign treatment can be compatible with all kinds of other dental treatments. Even if you have crowns, bridges, or veneers, careful planning can still lead to your desired results. With a positive attitude and a great dentist to guide you, you’ll soon be on your way to a perfectly straight and healthy smile.

About the Author

Dr. Byron L. Reintjes is a friendly and talented dentist with nearly 30 years of experience. He earned his dental degree from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry and went on to receive advanced training in orthodontics. Now, he enjoys helping his patients achieve all their smile goals with modern treatments. Call (559) 438-6684 to schedule an Invisalign consultation at Byron L. Reintjes, DDS, or visit the website to discover other services they provide.