Invisalign with a Fake Tooth

If you have a fake tooth you may be wondering if you can still use Invisalign® to straighten your smile. The answer is yes. Invisalign treatment is very versatile and can work with fake teeth, dental implants, missing teeth, and more. To find out about how Invisalign can help you, contact your Toronto area dentists at Galloro Dental Group.

How Invisalign Works with a Fake Tooth

Invisalign® might be a great option for you, even if you already have prior dental work. Whether you have a missing tooth, dental implants, a bridge, or other cosmetic dental work, Invisalign might be an option.

Invisalign® has received continuous upgrades and technological advancements during its brief 22-year history. As Align Technology continues to refine the treatment system the capabilities keep increasing.

The main factor when working with a fake tooth or implant is that Invisalign® will not be able to move that tooth. The trays can effectively adjust the surrounding natural teeth to align them.

If you have a missing tooth, the dentist may recommend aligning your teeth first before installing an implant. In these cases, a fake tooth will be used inside the tray aligner to hold space for the replacement tooth. When nearing the end of treatment, the dentist will begin the process of installing the implant.

Invisalign Versatility for the Win

There are many things that make Invisalign® a versatile treatment method. As Align Technology continues to develop new technology, the tray alignment system just keeps improving. What began as a way to correct minor alignment issues is now capable of working with even the most complex problems.

SmartTrack® material and SmartForce® attachments allow dentists to produce consistent, reliable results. SmartTrack® material is a polymer developed after eight years of intensive research and testing of over 260 different types of material.

SmartForce® attachments can be affixed to teeth where they act like tiny handles to give the tray aligners more to grip. This offers the ability to direct pressure more specifically to concentrate on difficult tooth movements.

Digital imaging is available using the iTero Element® intraoral scanner. This innovative equipment can take thousands of images per second. The result is an interactive 3D map of the inside of the mouth.

Using a computer-aided-design (CAD) program, the doctor can create an entire treatment plan. Patients can even see the projected end result with a perfectly aligned smile. When using Invisalign® with a fake tooth, the doctor can make adjustments to teeth on either side of a fake tooth or implant.

Because Invisalign® is such a versatile treatment program, doctors are able to work with and around previous dental work to create dream smiles.

Missing Tooth

Believe it or not, more than 178 million people have one or more missing teeth. Although many people ignore a missing tooth, leaving that gap can create additional problems. Crowded teeth will naturally shift into a vacant spot. Patients can also experience bone loss from missing teeth. Most tooth loss is caused by dental trauma. However, some dentists may strategically remove a tooth in a crowded mouth to create room for alignment. In these instances, Invisalign® can be very useful in guiding tooth movement toward an aligned smile.

If you have a missing tooth and are going to get an implant, or fake tooth, to replace the tooth, Invisalign® can still be useful. The dentist will create a pontic, or placeholder fake tooth. Most dentists and orthodontists recommend aligning teeth before installing a permanent implant replacement tooth.

Dental Implant

Dental implants are becoming the favored way to replace missing teeth. An implant creates a permanent replacement tooth that resembles and works like a natural tooth. Whether you already have an implant or are interested in replacing a missing tooth, Invisalign® can align your smile.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a fake tooth that is anchored to natural teeth or implanted teeth. Some bridges are temporary, lasting about 5 to 15 years, while are others may be permanent. There are some limitations in the ability of Invisalign® to work around existing dental bridgework. Your dentist will discuss these potential problems during your consultation. In some cases, a bridge may be removed and replaced with a temporary placeholder while undergoing Invisalign® treatment. The bridge can be replaced following the alignment process.

Crowns

If you have a dental crown, Invisalign® may still be useful, but there are caveats. A dental crown needs to be firmly sealed in order to use Invisalign. Another caution is that you will need to be careful removing the trays for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. Although having a crown is not a disqualification for Invisalign® use, your dentist may have additional cautions for you during treatment.

Veneers

Although veneers do have the ability to make a smile look great, they do not correct underlying alignment issues. If you have veneers and are interested in correcting alignment or uneven bite problems, talk to your Galloro Dental Group dentist.

If you don’t already have veneers, it is recommended to have Invisalign® treatment first, then install the veneers for cosmetic appeal. If you do already have veneers, the dentist may have to affix small attachments to your teeth to obtain the desired results. The attachments allow the trays to fit snugly so they can create the gentle force necessary to straighten teeth.

Is Invisalign Right For You?

In most instances, you can use Invisalign® with a fake tooth or a dental implant. Other dental work will require evaluation on a case-by-case basis by your dentist. Invisalign is extremely versatile, but may not be right for everyone. Surprisingly, Invisalign® is capable of working with a lot of previous dental work, so please, ask your doctor if Invisalign is right for you.

As a Diamond+ Invisalign® provider, Galloro Dental Group is an expert in the use of Invisalign to create dream smiles. You can begin right now with a Virtual Consultation. Galloro has two state-of-the-art offices serving the greater Toronto area.

The Summerhill office can be reached at (416) 483-9600 and the Don Mills office at (416) 907-5888 to speak directly to one of our Appointment Coordinators. Be sure to like our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook.
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