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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Braces are no longer just for kids. For cosmetic and health reasons, many adults turn to braces to straighten their smile, correct bite problems, or increase their oral hygiene. However, this means that people who have received treatments in the past, such as crowns or implants, may be concerned about how their new braces will affect these old treatments. Read on to learn the basics of getting braces as an adult with prior dental work.

Want to find out if you need an orthodontist? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.

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Types of Braces

Before learning how prior treatments can affect braces, you may be wondering what kind you should get in the first place. This will help you weigh the potential risks against the benefits. Here’s a brief rundown of the two main types of braces:

  • Metal or Ceramic (Clear) braces are conventional braces. They use wires and brackets to slowly move teeth into new positions. Orthodontists can supplement them with rubber bands to help with your bite. They can also apply partial braces on only the top or bottom row of teeth as the patient needs.
  • Invisalign aligners are made from molds or a scan of the patient’s teeth. You change the alingers as treatment progresses and are meant to be taken out to eat. This option isn’t as visually obvious.

The treatment you receive will affect how the braces may impact your prior dental work.

What are Crowns, Implants, and Veneers?

It’s also important to understand the nature of your prior dental treatment:

  • Crowns cover the teeth that have decayed when fillings can’t be used due to the amount of damage. They can also replace sections of a broken tooth.
  • Implants attach directly to your jawbone. They replace teeth that have decayed and need to be removed. Many older patients have dental implants, which stay in place even as their teeth naturally move as they age. A crown must be placed on top of the implant.
  • Veneers are used to cover chips, stains, or gaps. They are created with layers of porcelain that mimic the appearance of a real tooth and adhere to the front of your teeth.

All three of these dental treatments differently affect how viable braces will be as an ongoing solution to a patient’s issues.

Metal Braces with Crowns, Implants, and Veneers

Here is how each of the above dental treatments will be impacted by metal braces:

  • Crowns will not be disturbed by your treatment. So long as your crowns are still secure, braces can adhere to the surface of the tooth without affecting them. 
  • Dental implants can make getting metal braces more complicated. Since dental implants attach to the jawbone, they can’t be moved or adjusted with braces. This means that they should not be placed till after the patient has undergone braces treatment.
  • Veneers also present a risk when considering braces. Attaching metal brackets to veneers can crack or damage them due to how delicate they are.

While crowns shouldn’t get in the way, other treatments, particularly those on the front of your teeth, can be damaged by braces. Ask your orthodontist when it comes to veneers and implants before getting metal braces.

Invisalign with Crowns, Implants, and Veneers

An Invisalign aligner represents far less risk to crowns, implants, and veneers for one reason: it doesn’t adhere to your teeth. By fitting over your teeth, it won’t disturb or damage veneers placed on the front. Healthy crowns will stay in place as well.

Aligners can move teeth around implants but can not move the implants and attached crowns.

This means that ideally, braces and aligners should be worn before veneers or implants are placed. Otherwise, they may need to be removed before your orthodontic treatment.

Treatment Options

If you already have veneers or implants, you may be wondering about your options in terms of braces and Invisalign. Your orthodontist can place brackets on your veneers using a special adhesive. They will then precisely remove them so they don’t crack or damage the veneer.

Invisalign offers a safer option for those with pre-existing dental treatments. To achieve uniform treatment and protect your implants, clear retainers can lower the risks while still correcting your smile.

Choose Reese Orthodontics

It is still possible for you to get braces with crowns or implants. If you’re ready to discuss your options, contact Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC today. Our treatments can be customized to suit your needs, including new braces that can work around your prior dental treatments. Schedule a consultation with us to receive scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist. Discover which treatment options are right for you based on your prior work!

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Easy Ways To Get Started

If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
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Our Charleston
Orthodontic Office

2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

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Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

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Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).