Dental implants and orthodontics are two independent procedures, but sometimes they require mutual assistance, in particularly when there has been a extended period of time where the tooth has been lost and no dentures have been fitted. However, dental implants and orthodontic treatments are also prone to conflict.

If the maxillary teeth are lost, it can change the way the rest of your teeth bite together. This can result in your remaining teeth leaning over or drifting into the gaps and this can create further difficulty for dental implants. In most cases the orthodontic treatment will be completed so other teeth are already in position, so the dental implant can be positioned correctly in the space that is left between straight teeth.

However, what if the patient already has dental implants but now wants to have their teeth straightened?   

Orthodontic Treatment and Dental Implants

Whether patients with dental implants are suitable for orthodontic treatment will depend on a evaluation carried out by a orthodontist, periodontist or oral surgeon.

Under normal circumstances when we straighten natural teeth braces move the teeth by exerting pressure on them for extended periods of time. Underneath the gums is the peridontal membrane which controls the position of the teeth and it responds to the pressure being put on the teeth by braces. After reaching the optimal position it will gradually stabilize, this is the charm of natural teeth.

What about dental implants? With dental implants the tooth roots are artificial and are fused to the jawbone, therefore dental implants cannot move as there is no peridontal membrane. Attempting to move the tooth root may directly impact the bond between the tooth root and jawbone. In the long-term this can affect the stability of the dental implant.  

Therefore, it is generally not recommended to do dental implants and then perform orthodontics. If there is such a need, it is recommended to see a dentist to assess the risks and then decide the course of action .