For adults seeking a straighter smile, dental implants can complicate orthodontic treatment. Since implants are fixed into the jawbone and cannot move like natural teeth, many patients wonder if braces are still an option after having one or more implants placed. The short answer: yes, orthodontic treatment is possible, but it requires careful planning. The presence of a dental implant changes how your orthodontist approaches tooth movement, and your treatment plan must be adjusted accordingly.
While traditional braces and clear aligners are designed to shift teeth over time, dental implants remain stationary. This can present challenges if the surrounding teeth need to move into alignment or if the implant was placed before correcting bite issues. However, with the right strategy, it’s often possible to achieve meaningful improvements in dental alignment even with implants in place.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once integrated, it becomes a permanent fixture and supports a crown, bridge, or denture.
Unlike natural teeth, which are suspended in the jawbone by periodontal ligaments and can be gently shifted through orthodontic force, implants are completely fixed. They don’t respond to the pressure applied by braces or aligners. This fundamental difference is what limits orthodontic movement in areas where implants are already placed.
Because implants don’t move, their position in the mouth is locked. This becomes significant during orthodontic treatment, where precise control of tooth positioning is crucial. If the implant is located in an area where adjacent teeth need to move or if it occupies a space that should’ve been realigned first, it can restrict treatment options.
Can You Get Braces After Dental Implants?
Yes, you can get braces after dental implants, but the process is more limited compared to patients without implants. The main challenge is that implants don’t move, which means they can’t be repositioned if they were placed before the bite or alignment was corrected.
When Implants Are Already Placed
If you already have one or more implants and are considering braces, the orthodontist will focus on moving the natural teeth around the fixed implant. In many cases, this still allows for meaningful improvements in alignment and bite. However, if the implant was placed in a misaligned position, and the natural teeth need to shift into that space, the implant can become an obstacle.
Orthodontic Limitations With Existing Implants
Because implants are not adjustable, they can limit certain movements, especially if they’re in the front of the mouth or near crowded teeth. Sometimes the treatment plan may need to work around the implant completely, avoiding movement in that area. In other cases, the implant crown may need to be removed and replaced after the natural teeth have been moved into the desired position.
Orthodontic Strategies Involving Dental Implants
Orthodontists use several strategies to manage treatment when a dental implant is already in place. The approach depends on the location of the implant, the movement needed, and the overall dental goals.
Moving Teeth Around the Implant
In many cases, the implant can stay untouched while the natural teeth are moved around it. This works well when the implant is placed in a stable, correctly aligned position and doesn’t interfere with the path of tooth movement. The braces or aligners apply force only to the movable teeth, avoiding the implant entirely.
Using Implants as Anchorage
Surprisingly, implants can sometimes be useful in orthodontics. Since they don’t move, they provide a strong anchor point to help shift surrounding teeth with greater control. Orthodontists may even use temporary mini-implants (TADs) for this purpose, but existing implants can serve a similar role in certain cases.
When Implants May Need Repositioning or Replacement
In rare situations, an implant may be in the wrong position due to previous tooth loss or misalignment. If the surrounding bite is being significantly changed, the implant might need to be removed, the area realigned, and a new implant placed later. This option is typically only considered when no other workaround is possible and after careful consultation between the orthodontist and implant specialist.
Ideal Timing: Braces Before or After Implants?
When possible, orthodontic treatment should come before dental implants. This allows for ideal alignment of the teeth and bite, ensuring that the final implant placement fits perfectly within the corrected dental arch.
Why Orthodontists Prefer Alignment First
Since implants don’t move, placing them before addressing alignment or spacing issues can lock in problems that are difficult or impossible to correct later. For example, if a tooth is missing and an implant is placed too early, it might not line up with the rest of the teeth after orthodontic treatment, requiring costly revisions.
Correcting spacing and bite issues first ensures the implant is placed in the most functional and aesthetic position. It also avoids complications like tilting or crowding around the implant once treatment is complete.
Planning the Treatment Sequence
For patients needing both implants and orthodontic work, dentists typically follow this sequence:
- Complete orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and bite.
- Place the implant in the properly spaced and positioned location.
- Finalize the restoration with a crown or bridge once alignment is stable.
If a patient already has an implant, orthodontists will plan tooth movement carefully around the implant and may modify the treatment plan to minimize disruption.
Alternative Options to Traditional Braces
For patients with dental implants, especially adults, alternative orthodontic options can offer more flexibility and aesthetic appeal. These methods can sometimes simplify treatment when working around fixed implants.
Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign)
Clear aligners are often a preferred choice for patients with dental implants. They apply controlled, gradual pressure to specific teeth, allowing the orthodontist to exclude the implant from movement altogether. Advanced digital planning makes it easier to design aligner trays that move only the natural teeth while keeping the implant untouched.
Aligners also provide the advantage of being removable, which can make hygiene and implant care easier throughout the treatment.
Partial Braces or Segmental Orthodontics
In cases where only a few teeth need to be moved, orthodontists may recommend partial braces. This approach involves placing brackets and wires only on the targeted teeth, reducing complexity and avoiding interference with existing implants.
Segmental orthodontics is another precise method where movement is limited to a specific area, often used in interdisciplinary cases involving implants, crowns, or bridges. It’s especially helpful when space needs to be regained near an implant or when preparing the area for future restorative work.
Consulting With a Specialist
Orthodontic treatment involving dental implants requires close collaboration between multiple dental professionals. A successful outcome depends on careful planning, imaging, and coordination between the orthodontist, implant dentist, and sometimes a prosthodontist or oral surgeon.
Importance of Interdisciplinary Treatment
Since implants are permanent and immovable, any treatment plan must consider the implant’s exact location, angulation, and how it fits into the patient’s long-term dental health. An orthodontist will evaluate the potential movement of natural teeth and how to work around the implant, while the implant dentist ensures the restoration remains stable and functional.
In more complex cases, a prosthodontist may also be involved to assess the final appearance and ensure the crown or bridge aligns properly with the post-treatment smile.
Personalized Assessment and Imaging
Detailed imaging, such as panoramic X-rays or 3D scans (CBCT), is essential to assess the position of the implant relative to the roots of surrounding teeth. This helps avoid unintended contact or pressure during movement and allows for more precise treatment design.
Every case is unique. Even if you already have implants, a thorough assessment can help determine whether orthodontic treatment is still feasible—and what options will deliver the best result.
Conclusion
Orthodontic treatment is possible after dental implants, but it requires a tailored approach. Since implants are fixed in place and cannot be moved like natural teeth, treatment must be carefully planned to work around them. In many cases, it’s still possible to improve alignment, correct bite issues, and achieve a more functional and aesthetic smile—even with existing implants.
Ideally, braces or aligners should be completed before implant placement. However, if implants are already in place, modern orthodontic techniques can often adapt. The key is a detailed evaluation and collaboration between dental specialists to ensure safe, effective results.
If you’re considering orthodontics and have one or more dental implants, consult with an experienced orthodontist and restorative dentist to explore your best treatment options.
