By Maylands Dental Centre 
Achieving a gorgeous smile is a dream for many people. Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, many orthodontic solutions are now available that could help turn that dream into reality.
Teeth straightening options such as Invisalign can successfully transform a smile. But what if you’ve had other dental works such as veneers, crowns, or bridges? Can you use Invisalign with other dental restorations?
In this blog post, we will explore the answer to this question by looking at how Invisalign works with other types of dental restoration. Keep reading to learn more!
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How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. How it works specifically is first determined by your dentist. They will use an intraoral scanner to take a 3D scan of your teeth and bite. After establishing the ideal position for the teeth, the dentist will determine the precise movement of each tooth to achieve those positions.
Your dentist will then create a 3D presentation of your planned dental treatment. This will demonstrate the series of gradual changes that need to take place with each set of aligner trays throughout the length of the treatment. As one moves from each plastic aligner to the next, gentle pressure is applied. This shifts your teeth closer and closer to their final positions.
Can Invisalign Be Used With Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are placed over the front surface of natural teeth. They help improve a tooth’s appearance, specifically its shape and colour.
In many cases, veneers are placed after orthodontic treatment. However, in cases wherein veneers have already been placed and the patient is still considering orthodontic treatment, it is still possible to have Invisalign treatment. Since this treatment does not require the attachment of brackets on the veneer, there is less chance that the veneer will be damaged. However, the patient has to be aware that there is a risk of the veneer being detached due to the pressure applied by Invisalign on teeth. Considering the veneers, the treatment will also likely take longer because of slower tooth movements. After Invisalign treatment, patients may need new veneers to accommodate their newly-straightened teeth.
With the right guidance and expertise, Invisalign can straighten teeth with veneers.
Does Invisalign Work With Crowns?
Dental crowns sometimes called “caps”, are custom-made restorations for teeth. They are designed to fit over the portion of the tooth that’s above the gum line. It is commonly used to restore damaged and weakened teeth.
Dental crowns may complicate the Invisalign process, as they can cause the teeth to move slower. Despite this, Invisalign treatment can still align teeth with dental crowns. It may just take longer or require more checkups to better monitor its progress. Invisalign can be designed to take into account teeth that have been crowned. A skilled dentist can proceed with the alignment process without damaging or affecting your existing dental work.
Ultimately, patients with dental crowns must undergo extensive evaluation to determine if they can be candidates for Invisalign treatment. This will also help determine the modifications needed to be incorporated into the treatment.
Is It Possible to Get Invisalign With a Dental Bridge in Place?
A bridge is a dental restoration that can fill the gap left by extracted teeth. It is made of a pontic, an artificial tooth, and at least two crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges are designed to look and function like real teeth.
If you have a bridge and are considering orthodontic treatment, traditional braces may not be the right option, as they can damage your bridge. This is where Invisalign comes in. Invisalign treatment can align your teeth without damaging your bridge. However, the treatment may take longer since the bridge can offer resistance and lead to limited tooth movement. Moving the natural teeth underneath the bridge is sometimes possible, but the result may not always be ideal.
Ultimately, it is possible to get Invisalign even with a dental bridge in place. However, expect some differences in your treatment plan and the timeline.
Will Invisalign Be Able to Straighten My Teeth Better if I Didn't Have These Restorations?
Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for those looking to straighten their teeth. However, Invisalign’s ability to do this effectively may be affected by dental restorations done in the past.
Generally speaking, Invisalign works better on structurally sound and healthy teeth and when there are no existing restorations. This is because there are no prostheses restricting the movement of teeth.
However, Invisalign can still be successful when restorations such as crowns, veneers, or dental bridges are present. If you had dental restorations prior to Invisalign treatment, talk with your dentist about how it might impact your Invisalign results.
Final Thoughts
Some people may be concerned that having Invisalign is impossible if they already have other dental restorations. Even if you have veneers, crowns, or bridges, Invisalign can still be a viable treatment option for straightening your teeth and achieving a beautiful smile.
Your dentist will evaluate your mouth and make custom-fitted trays for you. They will consider your dental restorations during treatment planning so they wouldn’t compromise your Invisalign treatment.
If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign or booking an appointment, please visit our website or call us at Maylands Dental Centre. We would be happy to answer any questions about Invisalign and other dental services.
Frequently Asked questions
In some cases, Invisalign can cause pain and discomfort. Here are some reasons why Invisalign might cause discomfort.
- When first wearing trays, they may feel uncomfortable as they fit snugly over the teeth.
- Invisalign trays may cause gum irritation if not trimmed well. If this happens, inform your dentist so they can adjust your tray.
- Invisalign might cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort. The TMJ is the joint responsible for the movement of your lower jaw. It joins your lower jaw to your skull. As your teeth move, your bite changes which could strain your TMJ and the muscles around it.
- More crowded or crooked teeth require more movements to straighten them. As such, discomfort is felt as teeth move more.
- Newly-moved teeth become more sensitive as the ligaments around them adjust to the new position of the teeth. When these teeth are used for biting, expect that there will be slight but transient pain.
Though not completely without discomfort or pain, Invisalign is often less painful and uncomfortable than traditional braces.
Invisalign must be worn for 20-22 hours per day. Taking it off for a day is an option and a matter of personal preference. However, it’s not recommended.
A brief removal of the trays won’t necessarily impact the overall progress of your treatment. However, this should be done in moderation. If you take them off too often or leave them out for an extended period, it could take longer for your teeth to straighten. The teeth could shift, causing discomfort when you wear your current aligner since it may not fit properly anymore. When this happens, you may have to go back to wearing your previous aligners. In some cases, new aligners may have to be made to address the problem. These consequences can prolong your treatment.
Generally speaking, Invisalign treatment costs between \$6,000 and \$9,000. However, several factors affect the final cost of treatment. These factors include the following:
- The number of aligners needed:
This is based on how long treatment will take and how complex your case is. - The duration of treatment:
The longer the treatment time, the more expensive it can be. - Geographical location:
Dentists in larger cities tend to charge more. - The dentist’s experience with Invisalign:
Skilled practitioners charge more due to their expertise and the quality of their results. - Health fund cover:
Many health fund policies partially or fully cover orthodontic treatments. Check your policy before beginning Invisalign treatment.
For an accurate estimate of what your Invisalign treatment will cost, consult an experienced dentist. During this appointment, you can discuss the specifics of your case and get a personalised quote to see if it fits your budget.
Finishing all your aligners doesn’t mean that your orthodontic journey is over. After the aligners have moved your teeth into the desired position, it’s time for the retention phase of Invisalign treatment. During this phase, you’ll wear clear removable retainers to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
You’ll need to take care of your retainers and attend regular checkups with your dentist throughout this period. That way, they can monitor what’s happening with your teeth. They’ll also check for any movement throughout the retention period.
Make sure you wear your retainers as prescribed by your dentist. This will help you maintain a beautifully straight and healthy smile for many years.
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