Can I Still Get Braces with Crowns or Veneers?

With more adults seeking braces later on in life, patients who have already had various forms of dental work are now looking for a straighter smile. Braces shift teeth into proper alignment, so getting braces after you’ve already had costly dental work is a very legitimate concern.

First of all, just like there are many different types of dental crowns and veneers, there are also different kinds and levels of orthodontic treatment. Some patients only need a few teeth straightened. In this case, partial braces may be used that will only be attached to the crooked teeth, leaving the other teeth untouched. Others need full treatment that will involve all of their teeth and include aligning the teeth and improving their bite.

If you’ve had previous dental work done and would like to get orthodontic treatment, it will be even more important to regularly maintain orthodontic appointments and good oral health. As good as dentistry has become, nothing that is put in the mouth will last forever and any filling or crown will need to be monitored to make sure that it is in good condition.

Braces with Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain attached to the front of the teeth that can help to minimize spacing issues or fix chips and staining in a smile. If you are interested in getting both braces and veneers, it’s best to have your braces treatment done first. Attaching the braces to veneers has the potential to cause damage to the surface of the veneer. The adhesive used to hold brackets in place can also leave a rough spot or chip on the veneer when the braces are removed.

If your teeth have shifted due to not regularly wearing a retainer, or if you never had any corrective orthodontic work before getting your veneers, perhaps the best way to have your teeth straightened is with Invisalign. Invisalign aligners do not use any adhesive compounds or brackets, so there won’t be a risk of damaging your veneers.

Braces with Crowns

Dental crowns are typically used to cover teeth that have decayed or been chipped and are not able to be filled with a regular filling. Crowns are also put on teeth after a root canal. If you already have crowns put in, don’t worry. When the brackets of the braces are applied, a different adhesive can be used to attach them to the crowns instead of the natural teeth.

In general, if you know that crowns or veneers, as well as braces, are in your future, it’s best to get braces first, if possible. This will minimize the risk of scratching or damaging previous dental work. If you already had the work done and now need to straighten your teeth, Invisalign is most likely the way to go. Whichever route you take, be sure to maintain your oral health and wear your retainers after any orthodontic work so your teeth don’t shift back into misalignment. 

Your orthodontic team at Fravel Brewer Orthodontics is experienced in creating all kinds of healthy, beautiful smiles. If you have had previous dental work or know that you require dental work, talk to your orthodontist so they can come up with a winning treatment plan. Schedule your first appointment today to get a smile you’re going to love!