Can You Get Braces or Aligners If You Have Missing Teeth or Restorations?
Absolutely. Orthodontic treatment isn't just for people with a perfect set of natural teeth—it can play a crucial role in correcting bite issues, shifting teeth into healthier positions, and preparing your mouth for future restorations. Whether you’ve lost teeth or have had crowns, implants, or bridges placed, orthodontic care may still be an option for you.
In fact, braces and aligners can be an essential part of rebuilding a functional, stable smile—especially when done in coordination with your general dentist or prosthodontist.
In this blog, we’ll walk through how orthodontic treatment works when you’re dealing with tooth loss or restorations, and what adults in Ogden should know before getting started.
Orthodontics and Tooth Loss: What You Need to Know
When teeth are missing—whether due to trauma, decay, or natural spacing—your bite can shift over time. Adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space, the opposing teeth may over‑erupt, and your jaw alignment can change. These small changes can snowball into bigger problems, like:
- Uneven bite pressure
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Jaw joint discomfort
- Accelerated wear on remaining teeth
- Increased risk of further tooth loss
Orthodontic treatment can help by:
- Closing small gaps caused by missing teeth
- Holding space open for future dental implants
- Realigning the bite to prevent damage to surrounding teeth
If a tooth has been missing for a while, your orthodontist may also evaluate the bone structure in that area to determine the best path forward.
Can You Get Braces If You Have Crowns or Bridges?
Yes, patients with dental crowns and bridges can still get orthodontic treatment. However, it does require a slightly different approach.
For crowns, because the crown covers the entire tooth, your orthodontist will place brackets differently to ensure they don’t damage the crown and may use special adhesives.
For bridges, because they are fixed in place, your orthodontist will work around the bridge or adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
In both cases, clear communication between your orthodontist and general dentist is key to creating a plan that preserves your restorations and still delivers great results.
What About Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth—but they can’t be moved naturally like other teeth. That’s why orthodontic treatment usually happens before placing implants.
Orthodontics can help by:
- Shifting surrounding teeth to create space for the implant
- Correcting alignment so the implant can be placed ideally
- Improving the overall bite so your implant functions properly
If you already have an implant in place, it won’t move during treatment, but your orthodontist can still move the neighboring teeth as needed.
When Is the Best Time to Start Treatment?
Timing is important—especially when dealing with multiple dental needs.
Here’s a common approach:
- Start with an orthodontic consultation. Your orthodontist will take X‑rays, digital scans, and assess how missing teeth or restorations affect your bite.
- Develop a coordinated treatment plan. If implants or restorations are needed, your orthodontist will collaborate with your general dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon.
- Begin orthodontic treatment. Braces or aligners are used to reposition teeth and prepare the bite.
- Place final restorations. Once your teeth are aligned, implants or bridges can be added in their ideal positions.
By following this sequence, your smile ends up looking more natural—and functioning more efficiently—for the long haul.
Braces vs Clear Aligners: Which Is Better in These Cases?
Both braces and clear aligners can be effective—but your specific situation will determine the best path forward.
- Braces may offer more control for complex cases where teeth need to be moved around implants, crowns, or bridges.
- Clear aligners can still be a great option for many adult patients with restorations, but require strong compliance and careful planning around fixed dental work.
Your orthodontist will recommend the best method based on your bite, goals, and existing dental conditions.
Common Concerns Patients Have
If you’re considering orthodontic care after restorations or tooth loss, you may wonder:
Will braces damage my crowns or veneers?
With the right materials and care, your orthodontist can safely treat teeth with crowns or veneers without damaging them.
What happens if I lose a tooth during treatment?
Your orthodontist can adjust your treatment plan if a tooth needs to be extracted or the bone changes mid‑treatment.
Will I need more dental work after braces?
Possibly. Many patients undergo restorations (like implants or bonding) after orthodontics to complete their smile—but the result is often more stable and longer lasting.
Rebuilding Your Smile Is Possible
Orthodontic treatment after tooth loss or restorations isn’t just possible—it’s often the smartest move for your long‑term dental health. With a personalized plan and a collaborative care team, you can enjoy a straighter, healthier smile even if you’ve had complex dental work in the past.
Orthodontic Treatment for Adults in Ogden
At Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics, we specialize in working with adult patients who have unique dental needs—from missing teeth to crowns, bridges, or implants. We’ll work closely with your dentist and use advanced digital planning to make sure your treatment is both effective and restoration‑friendly.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help restore both the form and function of your smile.