I have 2 bottom left molars missing. Since I have lived in Cali I’ve had 3 different dentists. Each dentist I see tells me that I need implants to replace the teeth. I know I do need them because my bottom front teeth have shifted and started to overlap. I had braces in the mid 70s. Wearing a retainer was not emphasized so my teeth have moved and missing 2 teeth hasn’t helped their apperance. My wife is trying to get me to ask for Invisalign and then get the implants. To me, Invisalign can wait. I think replacing my missing teeth is more important for not and then if I choose to get Invisalign maybe I can do that in 2 years or so. What should be my priority, getting dental implants or Invisalign first? Thanks. Rhys
Rhys – Invisalign treatment should be received before you get dental implants. Dental implants are surgically implanted in your jawbone. After they heal, they won’t move at all. This means that they can interfere with your orthodontic treatment. If teeth in the vicinity of the implants are affected by Invisalign movement, the implants can interfere with treatment.
Schedule an appointment for an exam with an Invisalign provider. He or she will let you know if you are a candidate for this treatment.
Let your Invisalign provider and your implant dentist know that you want to replace your missing teeth and straighten your entire arch of bottom teeth. The two dentists will work together to provide a treatment plan and timeline for the best results.
If you have begun to experience jawbone shrinkage in the location of the missing teeth, after orthodontic treatment, bone grafting may be needed before you can receive implants. Adequate bone density needed for your implants to heal properly. After bone grafts heal, implants can be placed.
Ensure you understand the phases of treatment to achieve a healthy smile.
This post is sponsored by San Jose dentists Dr. Ralph Stanley, Dr. Magdalena Azzarelli, and Dr. Rogé Jacob.
