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If you’re going to be getting Invisalign soon and you have a crown or bridge, you probably would find it pretty important to know if they’ll work together well. We were also curious so we did some research.
The goal of today’s article is simple: to provide you with everything you need to know about Invisalign and crowns & bridges, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not Invisalign is right for you.
What is Invisalign?
Before we get to answering the question at hand, it’s important to first understand what Invisalign is. Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Unlike metal braces, which are fixed in place, Invisalign aligners can be taken out for things like:
- Eating
- Drinking
- Brushing
- Flossing
Invisalign treatment consists of a series of custom-made aligners that are made specifically for your teeth. As you progress through the treatment plan (which is determined by your orthodontist), you’ll switch to new aligners every two weeks or so. Each new set of aligners will move your teeth a little bit closer to the final desired position.
The average Invisalign treatment plan lasts about 12 months, but it can vary from person to person. Some people may need to wear their aligners for a shorter amount of time, while others may need to wear them for a longer period of time.
Invisalign is an effective treatment for a wide variety of dental problems, including crowding, gaps, overbites, and underbites. It can be used to straighten both the top and bottom teeth.
If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist who offers Invisalign. During the consultation, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and mouth to see if Invisalign is right for you.
If you decide to move forward with Invisalign, the next step is to get your dental impressions taken. These dental impressions will be used to create your custom Invisalign aligners.
Once your Invisalign aligners are ready, you’ll be able to pick them up at your orthodontist’s office. At this point, you’ll also receive instructions on how to wear and care for your aligners.
It’s important to note that you’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours per day in order for treatment to be effective. This means that you’ll need to take them out only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
You should also expect to visit your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks or so for progress checks. During these appointments, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
What Are Crowns and Bridges?
Now that we’ve talked about Invisalign, let’s talk about crowns and bridges. A crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the entire surface of a tooth. Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay, fracture, or wear.
Bridges are similar to crowns in that they are also used to restore damaged teeth. However, bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of two crowns (one on each end) with one or more false teeth in between.
Crowns and bridges can be made from a variety of different materials, including:
- Porcelain
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Gold alloy
- Base metal alloy
Crowns and bridges are usually cemented into place. In some cases, however, they may be attached with brackets and wires (similar to braces) or they may be clipped onto existing teeth.
Crowns and bridges are typically used for cosmetic purposes. However, they can also improve the function of your teeth by restoring chewing and biting surfaces, protecting damaged teeth from further wear, and filling in spaces left by missing teeth.
If you think you need a crown or bridge, there’s a good chance that you’ve already seen your dentist about it. During your appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and mouth to determine if a crown or bridge is right for you.
If you decide to move forward with treatment, the next step is to get your teeth prepared for the crown or bridge. This usually involves removing any damaged tooth structure and taking dental impressions.
Once your impressions are taken, they will be used to create your custom crown or bridge. In some cases, you may need to wear a temporary crown or bridge while your permanent restoration is being made.
Once your permanent restoration is ready, you’ll be able to pick it up at your dentist’s office. At this point, they will also attach it to your teeth.
How Do Invisalign and Crowns/Bridges Work Together?
Now that we’ve talked about Invisalign and crowns/bridges separately, let’s talk about how they work together. We will be covering this in more detail but, in most cases, Invisalign and crowns/bridges can be used together without any issues.
There are a few things to keep in mind, however, if you’re planning on using Invisalign in conjunction with crowns or bridges.
First of all, it’s important to make sure that your dental impressions are accurate. If your impressions are inaccurate, it could throw off the entire treatment plan.
Secondly, you’ll need to be extra careful when cleaning your teeth. When you have braces or other fixed dental appliances, it’s easy to miss a spot when you’re brushing or flossing. This can lead to tooth decay or gum disease.
If you have crowns or bridges, it’s even more important to make sure that your teeth are clean. Bacteria can easily build up around the edges of crowns and bridges, which can lead to decay or infection.
So, if you’re using Invisalign in conjunction with crowns or bridges, be sure to brush and floss thoroughly and visit your dentist regularly for checkups so you can avoid these bigger issues as much as possible.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Invisalign aligners can put pressure on your teeth, which could cause your crowns or bridges to become loose. If this happens, it’s important to see your dentist right away so that they can make the necessary adjustments.
In some cases, your orthodontist may recommend getting new crowns or bridges before starting Invisalign treatment. This is because Invisalign can put pressure on your teeth, which could cause existing crowns or bridges to become loose.
If you’re considering Invisalign and you have existing crowns or bridges, be sure to talk to your orthodontist about it. They will be able to advise you on whether or not you need to get new ones before starting treatment.
Overall, as we said, Invisalign and crowns/bridges can be used together without any major issues. Just be sure to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and clean your teeth thoroughly to avoid any problems.
Why do People Like Invisalign?
There are a lot of reasons why people like Invisalign. First of all, it’s a very effective treatment for a wide variety of dental problems. Invisalign can be used to straighten teeth that are crowded, gapped, overbites, and underbites.
Another reason why people like Invisalign is because the aligners are clear and removable. This means that you can take them out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, as we mentioned earlier on. And since they’re clear, most people won’t even be able to tell that you’re wearing them.
Invisalign is also a very convenient treatment option. You won’t need to worry about food getting stuck in your braces or dealing with the discomfort of metal wires and brackets. And since you can take your aligners out, you won’t have to make any major changes to your diet.
Plus, since Invisalign treatment is typically completed within 12 months (sometimes longer, depending on your situation), it’s a relatively short-term commitment. Compare that to metal braces, which can take 2-3 years or more to complete treatment, and it’s easy to see why people prefer Invisalign.
With all of these factors, it’s no wonder that so many people choose Invisalign for their orthodontic treatment. If you’re considering Invisalign, be sure to talk to your orthodontist or dentist about it. They will be able to advise you on whether or not Invisalign is right for you.
Any orthodontist or dentist worth their salt will happily help you get Invisalign if they think it’s the best course for your smile and overall oral health.
Shaping Your Teeth for the Future
Getting your oral health in order is important for so many reasons. Not only does it improve your self-confidence, but it also allows you to avoid potential health problems down the road. Orthodontic treatment like Invisalign can help you achieve the straight, healthy teeth that you’ve always wanted.
If you have other dental appliances like crowns or bridges, Invisalign can usually be used in conjunction with them without any major issues. So if you’re considering Invisalign, be sure to talk to your orthodontist or dentist about it. They will be able to advise you on whether or not Invisalign is right for you.