If you have dental crowns and are thinking about straightening your teeth, you might be wondering: Can I get Invisalign with crowns? The good news is, in most cases, the answer is yes! Having one or more dental crowns doesn’t automatically disqualify you from Invisalign treatment.
With today’s advanced orthodontic technology, even patients with dental restorations can achieve a beautifully aligned smile. Here’s what you need to know if you have crowns and are considering Invisalign.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made caps placed over teeth that are damaged, weak, or discolored. They restore both function and appearance, making them a common solution for teeth that are too compromised for a simple filling but don’t need to be extracted.
Crowns come in different materials:
- Porcelain and ceramic: Look the most natural, blending seamlessly with your other teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Strong and durable but can sometimes show a dark line at the gumline.
- Gold and metal alloys: Extremely strong and long-lasting, requiring minimal tooth removal.
- Zirconia: A newer option that’s strong, fracture-resistant, and natural-looking.
- Composite resin: More affordable but not as durable as other options.
On average, crowns last between 5 and 15 years, depending on factors like oral hygiene, grinding habits, and the material used. While they’re a great long-term solution, they’re not permanent—eventually, they’ll need to be replaced due to wear and tear.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system designed to gradually straighten teeth without the hassle of metal braces. The treatment involves wearing a series of custom-made, removable aligners that gently shift your teeth into place over time.
The process starts with a digital scan of your teeth, which is used to create a personalized treatment plan. You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks, keeping them on for 20-22 hours a day and only removing them for eating, drinking (except water), and oral hygiene.
Most Invisalign treatments take 12-18 months, though simpler cases may wrap up in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases could take longer. Regular check-ups every 6-8 weeks help track your progress and ensure your aligners fit correctly.
Once treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear retainers to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Can You Get Invisalign With Crowns?
Yes! Having crowns doesn’t mean you can’t get Invisalign. However, there are a few things to consider before getting started.
Orthodontists work with many patients who have crowns, bridges, veneers, and implants, so it’s not a dealbreaker. But the location, condition, and number of crowns you have can impact your treatment plan.
Factors That Affect Invisalign with Crowns
- Where the crowns are located: Back teeth (molars) with crowns are less of a concern than front teeth (incisors). The front teeth are often where Invisalign attachments are placed, which can be trickier with crowns.
- Age and condition of the crowns: If your crowns are old, loose, or poorly fitted, they may need to be replaced before starting Invisalign.
- How much movement is needed: Some tooth movements are easier with crowns than others. Your orthodontist will assess this before creating your treatment plan.
- Number of crowned teeth: A single crown usually isn’t a problem, but if you have multiple crowns, your treatment might take longer or require adjustments.
How Crowns Interact With Invisalign Aligners
Crowns don’t respond to Invisalign aligners exactly like natural teeth do. Here’s why:
- Attachments (small bumps that help move teeth) don’t bond as well to crowns as they do to natural enamel. If attachments are needed, your orthodontist might place them on adjacent natural teeth instead.
- Crowned teeth may move differently than natural teeth, sometimes requiring adjustments in the aligners.
- If you need a new crown mid-treatment, your aligners might no longer fit, and a new scan will be needed to make updated aligners.
That said, Invisalign aligners still fit over crowned teeth just fine—they’ll still apply gentle pressure to shift your teeth into alignment.
Special Considerations for Crown-Wearers
If you have dental crowns and want Invisalign, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Will My Crowns Need to Be Replaced?
Possibly. If a crown no longer fits properly after your teeth have shifted, you may need a new one after the Invisalign treatment is complete. This is more common if your crown was already old or worn before starting treatment.
If a crown must be replaced before Invisalign, your orthodontist will coordinate with your dentist to ensure a precise fit that won’t interfere with the aligners.
Can Invisalign Work with Dental Bridges?
If you have a dental bridge (a restoration that connects two or more teeth), it can make things trickier. Since bridges are anchored to multiple teeth, those teeth can’t move independently the way natural teeth do. Your orthodontist may need to modify your treatment plan or use alternative methods like clear braces to work around the bridge.
Attachment Placement Strategies for Teeth with Crowns
When working with crowned teeth, orthodontists use several specialized techniques to ensure effective tooth movement.
- Specialized bonding agents designed for non-enamel surfaces
- Alternative attachment locations on the crowned tooth or adjacent natural teeth
- Reduced attachment size to minimize bonding challenges
- Pressure points built into the aligners themselves
- Auxiliary techniques like elastic bands when standard attachments won’t bond well
Your Smile’s Future: Next Steps for Invisalign with Crowns
Getting Invisalign with dental crowns is a straightforward process for most patients, with modern orthodontic techniques seamlessly accommodating both. Your orthodontist can create a customized treatment plan that works with your existing dental work to achieve optimal results. Schedule a consultation with a qualified Invisalign provider today to start your journey toward a perfectly aligned smile that preserves and enhances your dental investments.
