Do You Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Getting Dental Implants?
When planning your smile restoration, one of the most common questions patients ask is “Should I get braces before or after dental implants?”
It’s an important consideration – because while braces and clear aligners can move your natural teeth into alignment, dental implants are permanent. Once placed, they fuse with your jawbone and don’t shift like natural teeth do. That’s why it’s crucial to get the sequence right before starting treatment.
At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our team of dual-degree oral surgeons collaborates closely with orthodontists and restorative dentists to ensure every step of your care is precisely planned and expertly executed.
In this article, we’ll explore how important it is to get orthodontic treatment before dental implants. Here are some key points you’ll take away:
- Orthodontic treatment often comes before dental implants to achieve proper spacing and bite alignment.
- Since implants don’t move, positioning teeth first ensures long-term comfort and aesthetics.
- Bergen Oral Surgery collaborates closely with orthodontists for precise, patient-centered outcomes.
- Each treatment plan is unique – professional evaluation is key before deciding treatment order.
Why Might You Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Dental Implants?
In many cases, orthodontic work is necessary before implant placement. When a tooth has been missing for some time, nearby teeth can drift into the empty space, or the opposing tooth may over-erupt, leading to bite misalignment. Braces or aligners can reposition teeth to create the perfect amount of space for your implant, ensuring that it looks natural and functions properly.
Orthodontic treatment can also correct:
- Crowding or spacing issues that affect implant placement
- Bit misalignment (malocclusion) that puts stress on certain teeth
- Jaw positioning problems that affects function or appearance
At Bergen Oral Surgery, our doctors use 3D imaging and digital treatment planning to evaluate your bite and bone structure before recommending whether orthodontics should come first.
Read more: Who Are Good Candidates for Dental Implants?
Should I Get a Dental Implant Before or After Braces?
This is one of the most common questions we hear – and the answer depends on your unique smile. However, in most situations, it’s best to complete orthodontic treatment before getting your implant.
Braces and aligners can only move natural teeth, not implants. So if an implant is placed too early, it could prevent your orthodontist from achieving proper alignment. Completing braces or Invisalign treatment first allows your surgeon to place the implant in its ideal position once your teeth and bite are stable.
Our surgeons at Bergen Oral Surgery carefully coordinate with your orthodontist and restorative dentist to design a timeline that supports your long-term dental health and comfort.
When Might Implants Be Placed Before Orthodontics?
There are exceptions. In some cases, your oral surgeon may recommend placing an implant before orthodontic treatment. This might happen if:
- A missing back molar is needed to stabilize the bite during orthodontic movement.
- The implant is used as an anchor point to assist with orthodontic correction.
These situations require close collaboration between your orthodontist and oral surgeon to ensure precise alignment. At Bergen Oral Surgery, our dual-degree specialists excel in this kind of complex, interdisciplinary treatment planning.
Can You Have Braces with Dental Implants?
Yes – it’s possible to have braces or clear aligners with existing dental implants, but there are some limitations.
Because implants are securely fused to your jawbone, they can’t move like natural teeth. Instead, braces can shift the surrounding teeth around the implant to improve spacing and alignment.
Think of the implant as an anchor – it stays put while the surrounding teeth move into their correct positions.
If you already have dental implants and your orthodontist recommends braces, Bergen Oral Surgery will work with your orthodontic team to ensure treatment is safe and successful.
Why Choose Bergen Oral Surgery for Dental Implant Treatment?
When it comes to dental implant surgery, precision, experience, and coordination matter. Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has been trusted by dentists and patients for over 70 years for complex oral surgery and implant care.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Dual-degree surgeons – Each of our doctors holds both medical (MD) and dental (DDS/DMD) degrees.
- Four convenient Bergen County locations for easy access to care.
- 2,000 + 5-Star Google Reviews reflecting decades of trusted service.
Our team works hand-in-hand with your orthodontist and general dentist to ensure your implant procedure fits seamlessly into your full treatment plan.
Personalized, gentle, comprehensive patient care is our number one priority.
Dental Implants (FAQ)
How Long Should I Wait After Braces to Get a Dental Implant?
Typically, patients wait a few weeks to several months after orthodontic treatment to allow teeth and bone to stabilize before implant placement. Bergen Oral Surgery will determine the ideal timing for your case.
What Happens If I Skip Orthodontic Treatment Before Implants?
Skipping necessary orthodontic alignment can lead to spacing, bite, or aesthetic issues later. Proper sequencing ensures long-term success and comfort.
