Can You Get Invisalign If You Have Crowns or Fillings?
Yes, you can absolutely get Invisalign treatment if you have crowns or fillings. Having existing dental work doesn't automatically disqualify you from orthodontic treatment, though it may require special planning and considerations.
The key is working with an experienced Invisalign provider who can assess your specific situation. At Elegance Dental in Hertfordshire, we regularly treat patients with various types of dental work, achieving excellent results through careful treatment planning.
Find out about our Invisalign braces in Hertfordshire, call us today on 01920 821579 or email us at info@elegancedental.co.uk
Will Crowns Move with Invisalign Treatment?
Yes, crowns will move just like natural teeth during Invisalign treatment. The aligners apply gentle pressure to the crown, which is firmly attached to your tooth root, allowing the entire tooth structure to move into the correct position.
However, crowns may require special attention during treatment planning. The smooth surface of a crown can make it challenging for aligners to grip properly, potentially requiring attachments or refinements.
Your dentist might need to add small, tooth-coloured attachments to crowns to help the aligners move them more effectively. These attachments are temporary and removed once treatment is complete.
Do Fillings Affect Invisalign Treatment?
Small to medium-sized fillings typically don't affect Invisalign treatment at all. The aligners work by applying pressure to the tooth crown, and most fillings don't interfere with this process.
Large fillings, particularly those covering significant portions of the tooth surface, may require evaluation. Research shows that teeth with fillings covering more than 50% of the tooth surface may move differently than intact teeth.
Your Invisalign provider will assess each filled tooth individually. In some cases, filling replacement might be recommended before starting treatment to ensure optimal results..
What Do I Consider Before Invisalign with Existing Dental Work?
Several factors require careful consideration when planning Invisalign treatment with existing dental work. The age and condition of your crowns and fillings matter significantly.
Older dental work may need replacement during or after orthodontic treatment. Moving teeth can sometimes reveal gaps or create new stresses on existing restorations.
The timing of any dental work matters too. It's generally better to complete orthodontic treatment before getting new crowns or extensive fillings, as the final tooth positions affect the fit of these restorations.
Can Invisalign Braces Treatment Damage Existing Dental Work?
Invisalign treatment is very unlikely to damage properly placed crowns or fillings. The gentle forces used in clear aligner therapy are well within the tolerance limits of modern dental materials.
However, pre-existing problems with dental work might become apparent during treatment. Loose fillings or poorly fitted crowns may need attention, but this represents existing issues rather than treatment-related damage.
Studies indicate that orthodontic forces are actually beneficial for the supporting structures of crowned teeth, potentially improving their long-term stability.
Will You Need Additional Appointments During Invisalign Treatment?
Patients with crowns and fillings may require slightly more frequent monitoring appointments. This allows your dentist to ensure that both your teeth and existing dental work are responding well to treatment.
The total treatment time typically isn't affected by having crowns or fillings. Most patients complete their Invisalign journey in 12-18 months, regardless of existing dental work.
Additional appointments might be needed if dental work requires replacement or adjustment during treatment. Your dentist will discuss this possibility during your initial consultation.
What Do I Need to Know About Attachments on Crowns?
Attachments can be placed on crowns when necessary, though the bonding process requires special techniques. The porcelain or ceramic surface of crowns needs different preparation than natural tooth enamel.
Your dentist may use special primers or bonding agents to ensure attachments stay securely in place throughout treatment. These techniques are well-established and highly effective.
The compatibility varies by dental work type. Small fillings work excellently with Invisalign and usually require no special considerations. Large fillings are generally compatible but may need evaluation before treatment.
Crowns work well with Invisalign but may need special attachments for optimal movement. Bridges have limited compatibility and require careful planning.
How Successful Is Invisalign Treatment with Existing Dental Work?
Success rates for Invisalign with crowns and fillings are comparable to treatment without dental work. The key factors for success remain the same: patient compliance, regular appointments, and proper treatment planning.
Clinical studies show that 96% of patients with existing dental work achieve their desired results with Invisalign. The presence of crowns or fillings doesn't significantly impact treatment outcomes.
Your commitment to wearing aligners for 22 hours daily remains the most important factor for success, regardless of any existing dental work.
Ready to straighten your teeth despite having crowns or fillings? Contact Elegance Dental in Hertfordshire for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment plan.
