I just want to get a dental implant. Why does the dentist tell me that I need an orthodontic treatment? What’s the relationship between dental implant and orthodontic treatment? This is what puzzles many people. Now let's dig into it.

Patient who want to replace a tooth that has been missing for years with dental implant is always suggested to undergo orthodontic treatment first. Does that mean dental implant is not necessary after teeth correction?

According to the dentists at Shenzhen AKJ Dental Hospital, that's not the truth. Orthodontic procedure will move the teeth to fill the space of the missing tooth, but it only changes the location of the space, but not the fact that there's a missing tooth. So dental implant is indispensable.

Besides, the dentist suggests: teeth correction is needed before dental implant! The main reason is that the adjacent teeth will shift to fill the empty space when a tooth has been missing for a long time, leaving no enough space for the dental implant. In this case, the adjacent teeth should be repositioned first, so that the dental implant can be inserted in the proper location. Now you must have understood why you may need orthodontic work before getting a dental implant!

It is noteworthy that a missing tooth can contribute to “two more missing teeth”, if left untreated for years. Moreover, if the adjacent teeth become loose and lose their functions, then they should be pulled out. At this moment, orthodontic treatment is not required any more.

However, dental implants for 3 connected missing teeth cost ten or twenty thousand yuan more than single-tooth replacement. Especially if the alveolar bone is not in good condition, bone grafting is needed. And poor periodontal condition and dental caries should also be treated first before dental implant.