The Whole Tooth and Nothing But the Tooth

If invisible braces (such as Invisalign) are the best solution to your particular orthodontic concern, you might consider yourself fortunate. These transparent aligners are far less conspicuous than traditional dental braces, while also being less cumbersome—and often with a shorter treatment time. However, you might begin to wonder about the outcome of your orthodontic treatment if one of the teeth in your mouth is in fact a dental implant.

Your Implant Has Been Taken Into Account

When receiving any form of dental treatment, it's certainly relevant to mention that you have a dental implant. But it's not exactly a problem if you should overlook this for any reason. Your orthodontist will have noted your implant during your preparatory x-rays or any other diagnostic testing, and this is assuming that they didn't spot it during your initial consultation. As such, your dental implant will have been taken into account when formulating your orthodontic treatment plan.

How Teeth Respond to Orthodontic Treatment

A dental implant can sometimes complicate orthodontic treatment. Natural teeth are connected to your jaw via periodontal ligaments. These ligaments allow some flexibility—permitting your teeth to be repositioned in response to the external force applied during your treatment. The bone remodels itself to support your teeth as they move. A dental implant is fused directly to your jawbone, meaning it can't move. While this can provide a challenge, it's certainly not a deal-breaker. 

The Configuration of Your Aligner Trays

Invisible braces are simply the best form of treatment for your specific case. It should be noted that the realignment of your teeth doesn't mean that each and every tooth must be repositioned to the same degree. The configuration of your invisible braces will provide precise targets for orthodontic repositioning. Some teeth will have more pressure applied to them than others. Some teeth may not require repositioning at all. The implant and its neighboring teeth may not necessarily be an area for concern, meaning the presence of the implant is negligible at best.

For patients with extreme dental misalignment, invisible braces may not even be an option, as they're only suitable for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Despite your dental implant, your orthodontist feels that invisible braces will provide the solution you're looking for. This won't be the case for all patients with dental implants who may need orthodontic treatment. But if your orthodontist plans to proceed with transparent aligners, it's because they're compatible with your teeth—including your dental implant.

For more information about invisible braces and their possibilities, contact a dentist near you.