Dental implants restore missing teeth and rebuild smiles — but what if you still need orthodontic treatment after receiving implants? At Sunna Dental in Birmingham, we often hear the important question: Can you get braces with dental implants?
The short answer: Yes — but with careful planning.
In this blog, we break down how braces and implants can coexist, the challenges involved and the best strategies for achieving your ideal smile.
Understanding the Differences: Natural Teeth vs. Dental Implants
Before diving into treatment options, it’s crucial to understand that:
- Natural teeth are attached to the bone via periodontal ligaments, allowing them to move when pressure is applied (as in orthodontics).
- Dental implants, however, are fused directly to the jawbone (through a process called osseointegration) and cannot be moved once placed.
This fundamental difference means orthodontic strategies must be adapted when working around implants.
When Can Braces and Implants Work Together?
There are typically three scenarios we see at Sunna Dental:
1. Braces Before Dental Implants
Ideally, if you know orthodontic treatment is necessary, braces should be placed before receiving a dental implant.
This allows us to:
- Align your natural teeth first.
- Create optimal space for implant placement later.
- Ensure the final bite is harmonious.
Key Point: If you are missing teeth but still have some orthodontic needs, always plan braces before implants.
2. Braces with Existing Dental Implants
If you already have an implant and now require braces, it’s still possible — but with limitations.
- The implant acts as a fixed anchor and will not move.
- Orthodontists will reposition the surrounding natural teeth around the stationary implant.
- In some cases, the implant can even assist in stabilising certain movements.
3. Braces Before Additional Implants
If you need more than one implant, we may suggest fitting braces first, straightening existing teeth, then strategically placing additional implants for optimal results.
This approach ensures:
- Proper spacing.
- A balanced bite.
- A long-term healthy foundation.
Challenges to Consider
At Sunna Dental, we believe in honest, forward-thinking communication. Patients should be aware that:
- Some orthodontic movements may be restricted.
- Treatment times may be slightly extended.
- Precision planning is absolutely critical to avoid relapse or aesthetic imbalance.
Sunna Dental uses state-of-the-art imaging technology to map out the best plan — blending implantology and orthodontics seamlessly.
