Can You Get Invisalign With A Crown?

Invisalign is a popular and effective method for straightening teeth and achieving a beautiful smile, with millions of people world wide choosing Invisalign as part of their smile story. This discreet orthodontic treatment uses clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into their desired positions, offering a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces. 

Teeth in good health can be adjusted at any stage of life, and Invisalign is capable of addressing a wide range of issues, ranging from minor misalignment to more complex bite concerns and severely misaligned teeth. A growing number of adults choose Invisalign as their preferred orthodontic treatment, especially if they wish to improve their smile in later years. With the increasing number of adults choosing Invisalign, it’s also common for them to have undergone additional dental procedures, including the placement of crowns, dental implants, and even veneers.

However, those with dental crowns may wonder if they can still benefit from Invisalign, and the good news is that for most people, teeth can still be straightened with Invisalign if you have one of these additional treatments already in place.

Understanding dental crowns

Before delving into whether Invisalign is compatible with dental crowns, it’s important to understand what dental crowns are and why they are used. Dental crowns, often referred to as caps, are essentially a  prosthetic restoration which is used to encase an entire damaged or weakened tooth. Dental crowns serve multiple purposes, including:

Protection –  Crowns protect a damaged tooth from further deterioration, such as additional fractures or decay.

Restoration – Dental crowns restore the functionality and appearance of a tooth that has been significantly damaged or has undergone a root canal treatment.

Cosmetic improvement – Crowns can improve the aesthetics of a tooth by covering damage, discoloration or irregularities, and give the appearance of a healthy tooth.

Getting Invisalign if you already have a crown

Many people ask us whether it is possible to get Invisalign with a dental crown. The answer is generally yes, but it also depends on several factors, including the condition of the crown, its location in your mouth, and your overall dental health.

Since dental crowns are placed on top of teeth and not embedded in the jaw, teeth with crowns can be moved just as easily as teeth without crowns. Invisalign aligners are  custom-fitted to your teeth, which means that if you already have crowns, the impression taken of your teeth to create your aligners will take into account the space needed for your crowns.

Here are a few of the factors that could impact whether you can get Invisalign with a crown:

Type of crown 

Invisalign aligners are made from a clear, flexible plastic material that applies gentle pressure on your teeth to encourage gradual movement into the desired position. This means that the aligners are very unlikely to damage or interfere with dental crowns made from porcelain, ceramic or metal.

Condition of the dental crown

If you have a dental crown that is well-maintained, securely bonded to the tooth, and not in need of replacement or repair, it is more likely to be compatible with Invisalign treatment. On the other hand, if the crown is loose, damaged, or requires attention, we may recommend addressing these issues before starting Invisalign. It’s always best to get in touch if you have concerns about a crown before starting your Invisalign journey. 

Location of the crown

The positioning of your dental crown can influence your treatment, particularly when the use of buttons or Invisalign attachments is necessary, which may be required for crowns on back teeth.

Oral health

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential throughout your Invisalign treatment, especially when you have dental crowns. Crowns should be kept clean and free from plaque and bacteria just like any other tooth to prevent any future dental issues. We will provide guidance on how to maintain proper oral hygiene while wearing Invisalign aligners in your consultations with us. 

Your smile story goal

Your overall orthodontic goal and the specific alignment issues you want to address with Invisalign also influences whether it is the best option for you. Invisalign is most effective for mild to severe orthodontic problems, but if you have complex alignment issues or require extensive orthodontic treatment, we will advise whether Invisalign is the best option for you, especially considering existing dental crowns.

Should I get a crown or Invisalign first?

The decision to get a crown or Invisalign first depends on your specific dental needs. Consult with us to determine the best course of action for you, as this will depend on the condition of the tooth requiring a crown. Typically, addressing severe dental issues like a damaged tooth with a crown before starting orthodontic treatment is advised, as this ensures a stable foundation for Invisalign. It may be that we create a short-term until we finish Invisalign treatment, then replace that crown with a more permanent solution.

Schedule a consultation with us

If you have dental crowns and are considering Invisalign treatment, the first step is to schedule a consultation with us here at Smile Stories. During this consultation, we will conduct a thorough examination of your dental condition, including the crowns, and will consider factors such as the type of crown material, its condition, and your overall oral health before starting your Invisalign journey.

Our approach to dental crowns & Invisalign

Invisalign-compatible crowns

If your dental crowns are in good condition, securely bonded, and made of materials compatible with Invisalign, we are likely to proceed with the treatment plan as normal. Invisalign aligners will be custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth and work to straighten them as planned, just like any other patient without dental crowns.

Crowns that may require attention

In some cases, we may recommend addressing any issues with your dental crowns before commencing Invisalign treatment. This may involve repairing or replacing damaged crowns or improving their fit and stability.

Complex cases

In more complex cases where individuals may have extensive orthodontic needs or complex alignment issues, alternative orthodontic treatments or a combination of treatments may be advised. We will discuss the most suitable options to achieve your desired results.

Invisalign can be a very good option for individuals with dental crowns, provided that certain factors such as the crown material, condition, orthodontic goals, and overall oral health all align. To determine whether Invisalign is the right choice for you, we advise getting in touch with us, so we can assess your specific case and provide tailored guidance. 

With proper evaluation and planning, we can work together to achieve a straighter, more confident smile that gives the wow factor, with the support of Invisalign (even if you have dental crowns!).