Is It Best to Get Dental Implants Before or After Orthodontic Treatment?

Implant dentistry has become increasingly popular in the United States because implants have been proven one of the most effective and healthy choices for replacing lost teeth. Implants are permanent prosthetics that replace lost structure above and below the gum line. In some cases, patients may require other treatments such as braces before or after receiving implants to restore oral function and dental health. When patients require interdisciplinary treatment in conjunction with implant dentistry, our periodontist will work closely with other specialists such as orthodontists or oral surgeons to provide the most individualized treatment possible.

Orthodontics and Dental Implants

A straight smile is important to enjoying good oral health. Straight, properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean and thus help prevent the incidence of conditions like gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, since a dental implant is anchored below the gum line in the jawbone, orthodontics may be necessary to create room for the implant in the mouth. This is especially important if existing biological teeth have shifted into the gapped areas of a smile.

In other cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary after the placement of dental implants. For example, once the implant has stabilized in the jawbone (a process where bone fuses to the titanium implant to secure it in place) the implant can be used to anchor an orthodontic device to move teeth to healthier and straighter positions.

Treatment Planning

While dental implants can improve oral health along with the aesthetics of a smile, if existing teeth are misaligned, orthodontics is necessary to receive a uniformly straight smile. If a patient requires orthodontic treatment before or after receiving an implant, our periodontist will develop a treatment plan specifically for each patient’s needs after conducting a thorough examination. Treatment plans determine the best course of action for helping a patient achieve a healthy and functional smile.

To schedule an appointment for a dental implant consultation or an examination, contact Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry today.