If you’ve previously had dental work such as implants, crowns or bridges, you’re likely wondering: Can I still get orthodontic treatment? The good news is yes — at Beverly Hills Orthodontics, we regularly help patients in the Los Angeles area straighten their smiles even after dental restorations. That said, the treatment path requires thoughtful planning to ensure your existing work stays protected and your new smile is built on a strong foundation.
Here’s how braces or Invisalign clear aligners can work with or around implants, crowns and bridges — and what you need to know to make the right decision.
How Implants, Crowns & Bridges Affect Orthodontic Treatment
When it comes to orthodontics, natural teeth have one important characteristic: they have a nerve and periodontal ligament, which allows them to move — albeit slowly — through the bone under the pressure of braces or aligners. Dental implants, bridges and crowns change the equation. For example:
- Dental implants are fused to the jawbone and cannot move, so they act more like fixed anchors rather than shiftable teeth
- Crowns and bridges are restorations that may behave similarly to natural teeth, but they may require special bonding or adhesives and sometimes respond differently to orthodontic forces
- Bridges, especially, may limit how much movement is possible in the span they cover because they link adjacent teeth together as one unit
Because of these differences, your orthodontist at BHO must craft a treatment plan that respects your restorations, protects them, and still achieves alignment goals.
Braces or Invisalign — What Works Best?
Whether you’re using traditional braces (brackets and wires) or Invisalign clear aligners, both can be viable options — even with implants, crowns or bridges. The right one depends on your unique case, existing dental work and desired outcome.
Braces with Crowns or Bridges
Brackets can certainly be bonded to crowned teeth, but bonding may require different adhesives or bracket types. In the case of bridges, movement may be limited, and in some cases the bridge may need modification or replacement after the orthodontic treatment. Braces may offer more control for complex bite or jaw-alignment issues around fixed restorations.
Invisalign with Crowns, Bridges or Implants
Because Invisalign uses removable aligner trays rather than brackets, it can provide a more gentle way to move surrounding teeth while working around fixed anchors like implants. Many adults who have prior restorations prefer Invisalign for its discreet look — and because it can be planned to avoid disturbing implants. However, Invisalign with implants may require extra planning, because the implant itself won’t move — so the surrounding natural teeth must move in relation to it.
When You Have Dental Implants — What to Know
If you already have one or more dental implants, it doesn’t mean you can’t straighten your teeth. It simply means the treatment plan must account for that fixed point.
At BHO, for patients in the Los Angeles area with implants, we consider:
- Whether the implant is in the area needing the most movement — If it is, it may be better to do orthodontics first, then place the implant after alignment
- Planning the movement such that natural teeth shift around the implant without jeopardizing the implant’s integrity or causing unintended stress
- Whether the implant can serve as an anchorage point for orthodontic movement, which sometimes offers advantages for the orthodontist
With careful planning, many patients with implants complete their orthodontic journey smoothly — and leave with both a straight smile and a stable restoration.
Crowns or Bridges in Place Already — Can You Still Get Treatment?
Yes — you can still get orthodontic treatment if you have crowns or bridges. But extra caution is needed:
- With crowned teeth, brackets can still be placed or aligners can still grip the surface — but bonding may be more challenging
- With bridges, since multiple teeth are connected, movement is restricted; in some cases the bridge may require removal, modification or replacement after the alignment process
- Your orthodontist may recommend placing the orthodontic treatment before major cosmetic restorations (crowns/bridges) when possible. This allows for optimal alignment before final restoration
At BHO, we coordinate closely with your restorative dentist to ensure the timing and sequence of treatment protect your previous investment and set you up for best long-term results.
Planning Your Orthodontic Treatment at BHO in Los Angeles
Here’s how we make it work for patients with implants, crowns or bridges:
- Initial evaluation & digital imaging — We’ll take digital scans, x-rays and assess all existing restorations plus alignment goals
- Customized treatment plan — We craft a plan that outlines which teeth will move, how much, and how restorations are accommodated
- Coordination with your dentist/restorative provider — If restorations need adjustment before or after, we’ll coordinate so your smile stays cohesive
- Monitoring and adjustment — Because restorations can behave differently, we monitor closely and adjust when needed
- Retention planning — Once alignment is done, we ensure you have a retainer plan suited to your unique restoration scenario
By working through these steps, BHO’s Los Angeles orthodontic team helps you reclaim a straight, healthy, lasting smile.
What This Means for You — Questions to Ask Your Provider
When you meet with your orthodontist, here are key questions to ask:
- How will my implant/crown/bridge affect the movement of my teeth or my treatment timeline?
- Do we need to adjust or replace any restoration before or after alignment?
- Will my treatment cost more or take longer because of prior restorations?
- Are there special retention considerations given my existing work?
- If I choose Invisalign, will the aligners fit over the restoration properly?
At BHO, we answer all these questions upfront so you can start with confidence, not uncertainty.
Straighter Teeth Are Still Possible
Having dental implants, crowns, or bridges doesn’t mean you need to give up on orthodontic treatment. With the right expertise, planning and teamwork between your orthodontist and dentist, you can still achieve a beautifully aligned smile — even in the presence of restorative dental work.
If you’re in the Los Angeles or Alhambra area and wondering whether braces or Invisalign can work for your restored teeth, come in for a consultation at Beverly Hills Orthodontics. We’ll review your restorations, evaluate your smile goals and develop a plan that allows you to move forward confidently.
Ready to explore your options?
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Your smile is your signature — let’s make it one worth showing off.