Can a Patient with Restored Teeth Still Go for Orthodontic Treatment?

Since the orthodontic treatment became more aesthetic with Invisalign or the ceramic “white” and lingual braces, more adults seek a better smile. As the demand for a more aesthetic smile is growing among adult patients, a question arises: can people with restored teeth have orthodontic treatment?

The answer is yes, they can, although certain limitations apply.

Braces can be bonded on teeth covered with veneers, though attaching the bracket on the veneer may damage their surface. In addition, the adhesive that is used to hold the bracket in place may leave a rough spot on the surface of the veneer after removal of the braces. Invisalign is a good option for people with multiple veneers – the aligners will gradually move the teeth without affecting the surface of the veneer.

Teeth with crowns can be moved as the non-crowned teeth, Sometimes the brackets come off easier, but with the use of the right materials for bonding, this drawback can be overcome.

Bridges or implants cannot be moved, although they can be used as anchors to move neighboring teeth.

Endodontically-restored teeth, teeth that had root canal treatment, can be moved as normal teeth, although they need to be carefully evaluated by the endodontist before applying any orthodontic force. In many occasions, when the conditions of the root canal treatment are not optimal, the treatment has to be repeated.

Certain limitations apply, but overall, restored teeth respond to the orthodontic forces as the non-restored teeth.