For those looking to straighten their teeth discreetly, Invisalign has become one of the most popular treatments available. People of all ages, from pre-teens to adults, have been able to beautify their smile and improve their oral health. But for adults who are considering clear aligners, there’s a good chance existing restorations like veneers, bridges, and crowns are already present in the mouth. So, can you get Invisalign if you have these appliances? Read on to learn more.

Invisalign and Crowns

A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Fortunately, having crowns does not usually disqualify you from getting Invisalign. Since crowns are bonded to your natural teeth and are typically very secure, they can often move along with the rest of your teeth during Invisalign treatment. However, because crowns are not natural tooth material, the aligners may need to be slightly adjusted for optimal fit and effectiveness. Your dentist or orthodontist will assess the stability of your crowns and design the aligners accordingly.

One thing to be aware of is the use of attachments – small, tooth-colored buttons that help the aligners grip and move your teeth more effectively. In some cases, these attachments may not adhere as well to crowns as they do to natural enamel. Your provider will determine if attachments are necessary and whether they can be used on crowned teeth or if alternative methods will be needed.

Invisalign and Bridges

Dental bridges are used to fill the gap left by a missing tooth, anchoring to adjacent teeth for support. This restoration poses more of a challenge for Invisalign. Unlike individual teeth, bridges are fixed and don’t allow for independent movement of the connected teeth. This makes it more difficult for Invisalign aligners to reposition them.

That said, Invisalign may still be a viable option depending on your specific dental structure and the goal of your treatment. For instance, aligners can be used to adjust the position of your natural teeth while working around the bridge. In some cases, the dentist may recommend modifying or replacing the bridge before or after treatment for the best outcome.

Invisalign and Veneers

Veneers are thin layers of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. Similar to crowns, having veneers doesn’t automatically exclude you from Invisalign treatment. However, caution is needed, especially since veneers are more cosmetic and may be more fragile than crowns.

Aligner trays and attachments may not grip as well onto veneered teeth, especially if the veneers are very smooth or thin. Still, with careful planning, your dentist can often work around these limitations, using custom strategies to avoid damaging the veneers while achieving effective tooth movement.

If you have crowns, bridges, or veneers and are considering Invisalign, don’t rule it out. With today’s technology and a skilled dentist, a straighter smile may still be well within reach.

About the Practice

If you have restorations and are considering Invisalign, let our expert team at Lancaster Family Smiles provide you with a solution you’ll find total satisfaction with. Dr. Sam Je holds a certificate in Invisalign treatment and would be happy to consult you! After all, our goal is to give you and your family access to complete dental care at affordable costs. Call us today to schedule your appointment at (469) 729-7707 or visit our website.