Your Diamond Invisalign® Provider
6 Tips To Help Kids Enjoy Braces
As innovations in dental technology continue to advance, particularly in orthodontics, more and more adults are deciding to invest in orthodontic care. But with an older demographic comes teeth that have likely previously required some form of dental restoration.
But rest assured that investing in the smile you've always dreamed of is still easily attainable with pre-existing dental work. Having braces, or wearing Invisalign clear aligners, won't damage previous dental work in the mouth. Your dental history, including all past dental work, will be just one of the many variables that your orthodontist will consider when designing the treatment plan for your future straight smile
Root Canals
According to the Canadian Dental Association, root canal treatment is routinely performed successfully by dentists across Canada. Patients can feel at ease knowing that braces are still a perfectly safe option if you have had a root canal, but it's also possible to get a root canal if necessary during treatment. Braces are designed around the teeth that require movement and are also designed not to interfere with routine dental care.
Crowns
If a patient has had a root canal or any other dental treatment that required a crown to be placed, it is still entirely possible to have braces installed on the teeth or to invest in Invisalign clear braces. A special dental adhesive can be used to secure the metal or ceramic brackets to the crowns, and for Invisalign, impressions or scans of the teeth to create the braces will be taken once the crown is placed to ensure a proper fit. Crowns can also be placed at the end of treatment once the teeth have moved to their new positions.
Fillings
It is not uncommon for patients with fillings to seek orthodontic treatment. Braces can also be attached to fillings using a similar adhesive that's also used to attach brackets to crowns. In certain situations, and depending on the patient's specific orthodontic condition, larger fillings may require spacers. The spacers, or small rubber bands, are inserted between the two teeth as needed to create enough room for the brackets. This generally takes place one to two weeks before orthodontic treatment begins. It's important to note that it's likely for these spacers to fall out on their own as the gap between the teeth grows wider.
Dental Implants
Dental implants have been an effective treatment option for replacing teeth of partly or entirely edentulous patients for over 30 years. Since pre-existing dental implants can't be moved, it's of-ten recommended to start orthodontic treatment first. Dental implants cannot shift because of a process called osseointegration, which connects the natural bone to the surface of an implant for function and structure. It is much easier to have an implant placed after the surrounding teeth are in their corrected position. But if a patient is missing teeth, implants may be suggested prior to starting treatment. Often, patients receive orthodontic treatment in order to make room for the implants. This is all dependent on the specific condition of the patient.
Veneers
Patients turn to veneers to achieve straightening results, but dental professionals recommend orthodontic treatment before considering this cosmetic alternative. This is simply because the brackets bond better to the natural tooth surface rather than the ceramic surface of veneers. Also, you may find that after completing orthodontic treatment, whether using traditional braces or Invisalign, the teeth will no longer require veneers to provide a straight smile. That said, it is still entirely possible to use Invisalign clear braces as a potential orthodontic treatment option, as the custom-made, clear aligners can fit appropriately over the pre-existing veneers.
Your orthodontist will consider all factors before your first appointment to have your braces fitted. You can feel confident knowing that your treatment provider will present an effective strategy custom-tailored to your needs.