Can Invisalign Work if You Have Crowns, Bridges, or Veneers?

February 10, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — alexjohnson @ 6:51 am
A woman receiving an Invisalign tray

Like many people, you may want to try Invisalign. After all, its aligners can straighten teeth discretely and effectively! That said, perhaps you fear it doesn’t work with dental prosthetics. Maybe your crown would get in the way, or the trays would dislodge your veneers. Well, the truth is that Invisalign is compatible with such dental add-ons. To prove it, your local orthodontist is here to explain things. Read on, then, to learn how Invisalign can work with crowns, bridges, and even veneers.

Some Context: What’s Invisalign?

If you don’t already know, Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that aligns your teeth and jaws. Unlike metal braces, though, it uses sets of clear aligners instead of brackets and wires.

Invisalign trays work by relying on so-called “micro-movements.” Namely, they slowly shift your teeth into place by putting pressure on them. The aligners thus give you a straight smile after roughly a year or so. That said, the process only works if you wear each set of trays for 20-22 hours a day.

How Does it Affect Dental Prosthetics?

While every case is different, Invisalign does work for those with crowns, bridges, or veneers. Still, you might face a few special circumstances. As such, consider the treatment factors listed below:

Invisalign & Crowns

Ordinarily, dental crowns shouldn’t interfere with Invisalign. The latter’s trays are removable, meaning they don’t stick to teeth with an invasive adhesive. Plus, aligners can be custom-made to fit over your particular teeth and dental crown. The process is straightforward and won’t delay things.

Remember, however, that trays aren’t suitable for severe alignment problems. You may be forced to use fixed braces instead. If so, a workaround for your crown would be needed.

Invisalign & Bridges

Often enough, Invisalign and dental bridges get along fine. The latter prosthetics are fixed, so aligners wouldn’t move them during treatment. In contrast, the trays will continue to shift surrounding teeth.

However, a bridge can interfere with tooth movement. Your dentist may also conclude that the restoration would shorten the necessary shifts. Should these things happen, your bridge may have to be cut to make space.

Invisalign & Veneers

In general, dentists are hesitant to use Invisalign on veneered teeth. The process carries some risk, as veneers would look different (or less attractive) after the tooth movements. Even so, it’s doable – the trays shouldn’t dislodge your porcelain (or ceramic) shells.

If you don’t like your veneers after orthodontic work, don’t panic; you can always replace them. Just keep in mind that replacement would add to your expenses.

Ultimately, Invisalign can help even when you have dental prosthetics. Therefore, consider booking a treatment with your orthodontist today!

About the Practice

Dr. Alex Johnson Orthodontics is based in Palm Harbor, Florida. Led by its namesake, Dr. Johnson, our practice strives to truly “straighten out” patient smiles. Whether you’re a child or an adult, we offer various tooth-aligning services – metal braces, Invisalign aligners, retainers, and more. You can even count on us to treat orthodontic emergencies. For more information or to book a visit, reach us on our website or by phone at (727)-786-7550.