Can Crowns, Bridges, and Veneers Stop You from Getting Invisalign?

Lately, you’ve been thinking about pursuing Invisalign in order to discreetly straighten your crooked teeth. However, you’re not sure whether your past dental work will disqualify you from having the treatment performed. Can individuals with dental crowns, bridges, and veneers still benefit from Invisalign clear aligners? Discovering the answer to this question could help you make the optimal choice for your smile.

How Exactly Does Invisalign Work?

An Invisalign treatment involves a series of clear aligners that have been customized for your specific smile. Each aligner puts a small amount of pressure on your teeth, causing them to move toward their ideal positions. After about two weeks of wearing a given aligner, you’ll switch it out for the next one in the series. By the end of the process, you’ll have a much straighter smile to show off to the world.

Is Invisalign Compatible with Crowns, Bridges, and Veneers?

In many cases, Invisalign can still be a viable option even if there’s existing dental work in your mouth. Below is a closer look at Invisalign’s compatibility with specific kinds of dental restorations:

• Dental Crowns: A dental crown completely covers a single tooth to strengthen it and protect it from damage. As long as your dental crown is stable and is in good condition overall, it most likely won’t stop you from getting Invisalign.
• Dental Bridges: A dental bridge can be used to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth in a row. It can be placed on two of your natural teeth in order to fill in the gap between them. The size of a dental bridge can affect your candidacy for Invisalign; as long as the bridge isn’t too big, it may be possible to work around it.
• Veneers: A veneer can be placed over the front surface of a tooth to hide all sorts of cosmetic imperfections. If you only need to make minor adjustments to the positioning of your teeth, there’s a good chance that you can have Invisalign performed while wearing veneers.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Existing dental work isn’t the only factor that can help determine whether Invisalign is truly the best choice for your smile. Your dentist will also need to consider the specific changes you want to make. Generally speaking, Invisalign works best on mild to moderate alignment problems; patients with severe orthodontic issues may need to consider alternative treatments.

If you think Invisalign could be the best option for straightening your smile, don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with your dentist. After they’ve examined your teeth and your restorations, they can help you determine whether Invisalign is truly right for you.

About the Author

Dr. Byron L. Reintjes has been in the dental field for over three decades. He went to the Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, and he has completed advanced training in orthodontics and Invisalign. At his current practice in Fresno, he has helped many patients achieve straighter smiles with personalized, comfortable clear aligners. If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Reintjes by visiting his website, using his online booking tool, or calling (559) 438-6684.