Can I Get Invisalign® If I Have Fillings & Crowns?

Yes, you can get Invisalign® clear aligners if you have fillings & crowns.  These restorations restore the strength, shape, and function of a tooth that’s been affected by decay and a resulting cavity, allowing it to withstand the pressure from Invisalign aligners just as well as your healthy teeth.

However, before starting Invisalign, our expert team at TLN Family Dental thoroughly examines all your teeth and any previous fillings and crowns to ensure you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign and previous restorations..

Your pre-Invisalign dental exam

We perform a pre-Invisalign check-up to ensure that all your existing fillings and crowns are in good condition. Fillings and crowns must fit properly and be secure to tolerate aligners. If we find any signs that a restoration is loose, chipped, or ill-fitting, we replace it with a new one.

During the exam, we also check for cavities and other problems, such as a cracked tooth, periodontal disease, tmj dysfunction, and an oral cancer screening is done. It’s essential to fill all cavities and restore all structural problems before starting Invisalign.

Cavities during Invisalign treatment

While we hope no restorative needs arise during treatment, one of the benefits of Invisalign is that you can remove the clear aligner trays to eat, brush, and floss. As a result, you’re less likely to develop cavities during your treatments.

If a cavity appears during your orthodontic treatment, we can usually restore it and continue on the same Invisalign treatment course, without interruption. In rare cases, a dental problem may occur during your Invisalign treatment that requires restorations such as a more invasive crown or bridge work.

Crowns and bridges may alter the size and shape of the tooth, which means we may need to order new aligners that fit the new tooth. This may (or may not) extend the time needed to finish your Invisalign treatment.

Self-care to prevent cavities when wearing aligners

Your daily oral hygiene habits go a long way toward preventing cavities while wearing Invisalign aligners and after.  Here are five tips to help you do just that:

1. Brush and floss after every meal

You need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours daily, which gives you plenty of time to take them out long enough to enjoy your meals and properly clean your teeth.

Flossing and brushing after every meal prevents cavity-causing food from getting trapped under your aligners. Using an antibacterial mouthwash also helps reduce cavity risk.

If you’re eating away from home, consider carrying a travel toothbrush. If you don’t have a brush, swish with water before replacing your aligners.

2. Clean your aligners

Keep your aligners clean by brushing them with a soft brush and a small dab of toothpaste. You can also use Invisalign cleaning crystals or one of their other cleaning systems.

3. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks

Bacteria on your teeth thrive on sugar, increasing your risk of cavities. Acidic foods and beverages erode the enamel, further contributing to cavities. Examples of acidic products include carbonated beverages, coffee, citrus fruits, and tomatoes.

4. Limit between-meal snacking or grazing

We recommend limiting snacking and grazing because you may be less likely to brush if you frequently remove your aligners to snack. Remember that it’s essential to brush after eating, each and every time.

5. Keep your scheduled dental visits

Regular dental check-ups and as-needed cleanings are crucial for maintaining your oral health during Invisalign treatment. During your check-up, we detect early signs of issues with fillings and treat cavities at an early stage.  Some patients elect to have their dental cleanings done every 3-4 months and we find that is fantastic for the oral health.

The longer a cavity exist untreated the more it grows, the more damage it causes, possibly leading to a root canal or tooth extraction — as well as aligners that no longer fit properly.

Want more information about Invisalign?

We’re here to help you decide if Invisalign is the best orthodontic treatment for you. Call TLN Family Dental today, or book an appointment online at your convenience. We have two offices in Houston, Texas, and another office in Pearland, Texas. We can’t wait to see you with a smile that you will love for a lifetime.