I would like your help in deciding whether I should get dental implants or Invisalign first. I have 3 upper teeth missing (left side) and 2 lower teeth missing (left side). The teeth have been out for probably 7 to 9 years, so my upper and lower teeth have shifted pretty bad. I want to replace the teeth, but I also want to straighten out my teeth so my smile looks good. I’ve done some online research for Invisalign and dental implants. I have a budget and I don’t want to get them both at the same time. Is there a priority of what is healthiest for my smile? Does it matter whether I get dental implants or Invisalign first? Thx. Owen
Owen – Here are a few facts about dental implants and Invisalign. They will help you understand the priority for your smile.
Invisalign
- Invisible braces that people won’t notice
- Move your teeth with precision
- Treatment time is half that of traditional braces
- Removable so you can eat, brush, and floss well
- More comfortable than metal braces
- Requires wearing a retainer full time for a year after treatment, then nightly for life
Dental Implants
- Usually made of titanium
- Surgically implanted in your jawbone
- Require bone grafting if you don’t have enough jawbone density
- Require a three to six month healing period so the implants fuse with your jawbone
- Feel and function like natural teeth
- Permanently in place, and don’t contain ligaments like natural teeth to allow them to be repositioned during orthodontic treatment
Get Dental Implants After Invisalign
Usually, it makes more sense to complete orthodontic treatment before you receive dental implants. Here’s why:
- Dental implants are rigid.
- As your teeth shift, the implants can damage them because Invisalign is unable to move the dental implants along with your teeth.
- In some cases, orthodontic treatment is needed to ensure there is enough room for the implants.
Schedule an appointment with a prosthodontist and an orthodontist to discuss your goals for your oral health. They will work together to ensure you get quality tooth replacement and alignment.
This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
