Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Braces straighten teeth. Dental implants replace them. But what happens when you need both? Whether you already have an implant or are planning to get one, timing is everything.
In this blog, we explain how implants and orthodontic treatment can work together, when to schedule each, and why careful planning leads to better long-term results.
Legacy Surgery offers dental implants in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Dental implants should be placed after your teeth are in the right position. Planning the timing carefully leads to better results and fewer complications.
Why Braces and Dental Implants Require Careful Planning
Dental implants do not move like natural teeth. Unlike real teeth, implants fuse with the jaw bone through a process called osseointegration. This makes them stable and a permanent solution, but it also means they cannot be shifted with braces.
If you are considering braces and you have a dental implant(s), your treatment must follow a precise planning process.
Three Common Scenarios
1. You have implants already but want braces now: Orthodontic treatment must work around the fixed implant. An experienced orthodontist can move surrounding natural teeth but not the implant itself. This limits options but still allows partial correction of crooked teeth or bite problems.
2. You need braces now but will need implants later: This is the ideal situation. Orthodontic treatment moves your teeth into the correct position first. Then, the dental surgeon places the implant into the ideal space once everything is aligned. This sequence supports better dental health and reduces the risk of additional treatments later.
3. You need both at the same time: In special cases, your provider may use temporary mini-implants or aligner trays to assist with tooth movement. However, a permanent titanium post should not be placed until the correct alignment is achieved through braces.
Braces After Dental Implants
In some cases, braces can still be an option if the implant is already in the ideal position or if the misalignment is minor.
Your dental team will assess the placement of the implant crown and adjust your treatment plan to fit your needs. You may only need to move adjacent teeth, not the implant.
Dental Implants After Orthodontic Treatment
This is the most predictable path to success. By completing orthodontic services first, your provider can:
- Align teeth properly: This ensures ideal alignment for the future implant.
- Preserve bone: Tooth movement can affect bone volume needed for implant placement.
- Avoid poor positioning: Dental implants placed too early may not match your final bite or smile with braces.
Once braces or aligners have created sufficient space, your oral surgeon will complete the implant placement. A natural-looking dental crown is then placed, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Risks of Poorly Timed Implant and Braces Treatment
Improper sequencing can create long-term complications. If an implant is placed before orthodontic needs are fully understood, the outcome may include:
- Poor spacing and improper bite
- Difficulty correcting a complex bite or adult tooth eruption issues
- Limitations in achieving proper alignment
Be sure to consult with both your orthodontist and oral surgeon before starting treatment. A well-coordinated plan between your orthodontist and oral surgeon is key to long-term success and fewer adjustments later.
The Bottom Line
- Implants don’t move. Once placed, a dental implant stays fixed—your braces must work around it.
- Braces usually come first. Straightening your natural teeth before placing an implant leads to better spacing, alignment, and long-term function.
- Planning is everything. The best results happen when your orthodontist and oral surgeon coordinate your treatment from start to finish.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Harrisonburg, VA
Missing teeth can impact everything from your bite to your confidence. At Legacy Surgery, Dr. Kesecker provides expert dental implant placement designed for long-term comfort, stability, and natural-looking results.
To book an appointment at our Harrisonburg location, call (540) 437-1230 or visit us at 2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.
📍Other location
(540) 213-8750
110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.
FAQs About Braces With Dental Implants
Do dental implants fall under orthodontics?
No, dental implants are part of restorative dentistry, not orthodontics. While orthodontic treatment focuses on moving natural teeth, implants are fixed and restore missing teeth after alignment is complete.
Who is not a good candidate for braces?
People with severe gum disease, lack of tooth support, or certain health conditions may not be ideal candidates. Adult patients with significant bone loss or untreated dental issues should first receive proper dental care before starting orthodontics.