Call Us Now 713-781-6401

Can You Get Invisalign with Dental Implants?

July 28, 2020

woman with invisalign If you’ve had a dental implant placed in the past, or if you’re considering one (or more) now, you might be wondering whether Invisalign is still an option for you. After all, dental implants are permanent, and Invisalign is all about shifting teeth into better positions. So, do the two work together?

The short answer is: yes, you can usually get Invisalign even if you have one or more dental implants. But it does depend on a few factors, and your treatment plan will need to be customized.

Let’s break it down.

How Dental Implants Work

A dental implant is a small titanium post that’s surgically placed into your jawbone, acting like the root of a missing tooth. Once it’s healed, a crown is attached to restore function and appearance.

Because implants are placed directly into the bone and fuse with it, they do not move like natural teeth. That’s a great thing when it comes to stability—but it also means your implant can’t shift along with the rest of your teeth during Invisalign treatment.

So… Can Invisalign Still Work?

In many cases, yes! Invisalign can still work very well, even if you already have one or more implants. The key is understanding that while the implant stays in place, your natural teeth around it can still move.

Here are a few scenarios we see:

  • You have one implant, and your other teeth are crowded or misaligned. In this case, Invisalign can move your natural teeth around the implant. The implant stays put, but everything else gets straighter and more aligned.
  • You need an implant, but your teeth are still shifting. Sometimes, we recommend doing Invisalign before placing the implant. That way, your teeth are in their ideal positions before the permanent implant is placed.
  • You’ve had an implant for a while and are unhappy with your smile. Invisalign may still be able to improve the appearance of your smile by adjusting your other teeth, even if the implant tooth can’t move.

Every case is a little different, and that’s why we always do a thorough exam and 3D scan before starting Invisalign treatment. It helps that our team and Dr. Ellison have extensive experience, and Dr. Ellison is one of just 90 AACA Invisalign Providers in the world — so if you want Invisalign to work for you, you’ll be in good hands in our office.

Things to Consider

Implant Placement

If the implant is in a spot where movement is needed (like a front tooth or part of a crowded arch), we may need to plan your treatment around it more carefully. In rare cases, an old implant may not be ideally placed, which could limit what’s possible with Invisalign.

Timing

If you’re thinking about getting an implant and doing Invisalign, talk to Dr. Ellison about which should come first. In many cases, we recommend straightening your teeth first and placing the implant afterward.

Invisalign + Implants = A Better Smile

dental implant woman Having a dental implant doesn’t disqualify you from Invisalign. Many people with implants are excellent candidates. The key is working with a dentist who understands how to navigate the unique aspects of your smile (like Dr. Ellison).

We’ll take time to evaluate your current alignment, your implant(s), and your goals, then create a custom Invisalign plan that takes all of it into account. With the right planning, Invisalign can give you the straight, confident smile you’ve been hoping for, even if one of your teeth isn’t going anywhere!

Ready to See What’s Possible?

If you have a dental implant and are interested in Invisalign, schedule a consultation with us. We’ll walk you through your options, show you what your smile could look like with clear aligners, and help you decide if it’s the right fit.

Straight smiles aren’t just for people with perfect dental histories—they’re for real people with real teeth, and that includes you.