Crowns and braces

A crown is a cap that sits over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape and function. Crowned teeth can generally be moved with braces or clear aligners in exactly the same way as natural teeth – the crown itself doesn’t prevent tooth movement.

Brackets for fixed braces are bonded directly to the tooth surface, and bonding to a crown – particularly a porcelain one – can require a slightly different approach than bonding to natural enamel.

It’s also worth knowing that while a crown covers the visible part of the tooth, orthodontic treatment moves the whole tooth – root and all. If the crown is older or there are any concerns about the underlying tooth, it’s worth having your dentist check it over before treatment begins.

Bridges and braces

A dental bridge fills a gap by anchoring an artificial tooth to the natural teeth on either side. Because a bridge connects multiple teeth together, those teeth can’t be moved independently, which limits what treatment can achieve in that area of the mouth. In some cases, a bridge may need to be removed before orthodontics can begin – which is worth weighing up carefully, both practically and financially.

If you have a bridge and you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, getting specialist advice early is essential.

Implants and braces

Dental implants replace missing teeth with a titanium post that fuses directly to the jawbone. They look and function much like natural teeth – but they behave very differently during orthodontic treatment.

Natural teeth can be moved because there’s a ligament between the tooth root and the bone that allows controlled movement under pressure. Implants have no such ligament. Fixed rigidly in place, they can’t be moved with braces or clear aligners.

This doesn’t mean orthodontic treatment isn’t possible, but the implant does need to be factored into the plan. Often, the best approach is to complete orthodontic treatment first and have the implant placed once the surrounding teeth are in their final positions. Where an implant is already in place, treatment works around it. Getting the sequencing right is something we take seriously, and we work closely with referring dentists and implant surgeons when needed.

Missing teeth and braces

Having a missing tooth doesn’t prevent you from having orthodontic treatment – and it’s often part of the reason treatment is needed. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth tend to drift into the space over time. Orthodontic treatment can correct that drifting, redistribute spaces more evenly and prepare the mouth for a future implant, bridge or other restoration.

In some cases, we can use orthodontic treatment to close a gap from a missing tooth entirely, depending on its size and the overall alignment of the bite.

Get the right advice from the start

Previous dental work doesn’t rule out orthodontic treatment – but it does mean your case needs careful assessment. At Splash Orthodontics, our specialist orthodontists are experienced in treating patients with more complex dental histories. We take the time to understand the full picture and will always work closely with your wider dental team when needed.

If you have crowns, implants, a bridge or missing teeth and want to know what’s possible, a consultation is the best place to start. It’s free for adults, there’s no obligation and you’ll come away with a clear idea of your options.

Book your free consultation at Splash Orthodontics in Brighton & Hove today.