As a provider of both implants and orthodontics, the Alta Loma Dental Care clinic sometimes deals with clients who are unsure of which to get first. Our office uses products such as Invisalign and 6 Month Smiles, which are for mild cases of malocclusion. But although we are rarely trying to affect massive changes in a patient’s alignment, orthodontics should nearly always be done before implants.
Implants depend on osseointegration—the fusion of bone and prosthetic. A titanium screw fused into bone tissue should not move, and if it does, that’s a huge problem. If an implant is stable, no orthodontic device will move it, so usually, the orthodontic corrections will be done first so that the dentist can be sure that the implant is going in the right place. Often, there is not even a choice: teeth may have to be realigned so that there is room for an implant.
There are cases when a pre-existing implant can provide support to orthodontic wires. Doctors will have to do a thorough examination of a patient’s mouth and jaw to determine whether a patient with implants can receive orthodontics, but they often can.
Drs. Michael and Jessica Kim operate Alta Loma Dental Care at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.
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