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Clear aligners, such as ClearCorrect, are a popular way to address dental misalignment. If you want to achieve a straighter smile, it is certainly worth your time to schedule a consultation with your local provider. But what if you already have some existing dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or veneers? Will they affect your ability to use clear aligners? This blog post explains what you should know.
Crowns
In many cases, a crowned tooth can still move with clear aligner treatment because the natural tooth root is still present beneath the restoration, and your aligners can be crafted to fit perfectly over your restoration. Before you start treatment, your dentist will make sure the crown is secure, healthy, and able to tolerate the gentle pressure of aligners.
If you need engagers (small, button-like attachments that get bonded to your teeth) to guide the force of your aligners, your dentist will likely try to place them on your natural teeth instead of your crown. This is because the adhesive may not bond as well to your crown as it would to real enamel.
Bridges
Bridges are a bit different from crowns because they connect multiple teeth or restorations together. Since the connected teeth cannot move independently, your aligner treatment may be more limited in that area of your mouth. That does not necessarily mean clear aligners are off the table. It simply means your provider will need to evaluate where the bridge is located, how your bite comes together, and which teeth can be safely guided into better positions. In many cases, aligners can shift the surrounding teeth while leaving the bridge itself undisturbed.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to enhance their appearance. Clear aligners can often fit over veneers comfortably, and many patients with veneers are still candidates for treatment. The main concern is making sure the veneers are firmly bonded and protected from unnecessary stress. Your dentist may take special care when designing your aligners, especially if engagers would otherwise be placed on veneered teeth.
If you do not yet have veneers, it would be best to wait to get them until after you complete your clear aligner treatment.
Dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and veneers are not automatic contraindications for clear aligner treatment! Talk to your dentist to learn more about what to expect as you straighten your smile.
Meet the Practice
At Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach, our team is proud to offer high-quality clear aligner treatment with ClearCorrect. We use state-of-the-art technology to design treatment plans, and we welcome patients who have existing crowns, bridges, or veneers. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our office at 772-569-4424.