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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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Since millions of adults now get braces for health and cosmetic reasons, there are a growing number of patients who have permanent dental appliances like bridges. It’s natural to wonder can I get braces with a bridge.

Orthodontists are experienced in applying braces even when patients have permanent dental restorations, such as bridges and crowns. However, though you can still receive orthodontic treatment if you have a bridge, treatment could be more complicated depending on the situation.

Continue reading to learn more about getting braces with a bridge, including potential complications you can expect.

Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.

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What is a bridge?

Bridges help restore your bite by replacing missing teeth with an appliance that holds artificial teeth in place. Bridges are supported by crowns, which allow orthodontists to create a façade on the surrounding teeth sufficiently shaped to apply the bridge.

Bridges are often needed to correct bite and chewing problems, as well as cosmetic issues with your smile. In addition to giving patients more confidence, bridges can also relieve pressure on the jaw caused by an incorrect bite, which can help with certain kinds of jaw and tooth pain.

Types of bridges

There are four types of bridges that patients can receive from an orthodontist to correct these issues. They include traditional, cantilever, resin-bonded, and implant-supported bridges.

Traditional bridge

Traditional bridges are made by connecting multiple crowns to a filler tooth. The bridges are made from metal, porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of materials.

Implant-supported bridge

Implants create the structure for this bridge rather than the attachments to the outside of the teeth used by a traditional bridge. Structurally, they are otherwise similar to traditional bridges.

Cantilever bridge

Only one tooth is connected to the bridge in a cantilever bridge. This type could be used when the patient has teeth on only one side of the gap.

Resin-bonded bridge

This type of bridge is made from porcelain bonded to a ceramic or metal bridge. It is used when the patient is missing multiple front teeth.

How braces can affect your bridge

No matter the cause for your bridge or the type you need, braces can interfere with your appliance. Braces move teeth by applying gradual force along the arch created by the wire, which affects your teeth as well as the ligaments that hold them in place.

Since braces may be attached to teeth that have been restored using a bridge and crown, patients should be aware of the potential drawbacks of having both at the same time.

The force applied by braces, which moves your real teeth into their new positions, can damage a bridge. This is because a bridge is not designed to move or to have that force applied to it. The bridge may become dislodged, skewed, or damaged because of braces.

However, your orthodontist can address the damage to a bridge caused by your braces. This damage is usually only cosmetic and can be permanently repaired after your braces come off.

This will require additional visits, however, and will increase the total cost of your treatment, factoring in the repair costs. Therefore, we recommend following three simple steps to ensure that your treatment is as cost-effective as possible.

Treatment steps for getting a bridge with braces

  1. Do research before beginning treatment – This is so you can find out whether you need metal, ceramic, or lingual braces, as well as if Invisalign is a better treatment option for your situation. After you decide on a type of braces, you can research its impact on a potential bridge or crown.
  2. Talk to your provider – Your orthodontist will know the best way to approach your treatment needs. If you need a bridge for cosmetic reasons, they will likely suggest that you receive this treatment after your braces or Invisalign have been removed, to avoid potentially damaging the restoration and interfering with the straightening process. Ask them to help you create a plan that’s right for you.
  3. Maintain oral hygiene – Oral hygiene is important while you wear your braces, especially if you have opted to wear them with a pre-existing bridge. Plaque buildup can cause damage to appliances and prevent your treatment from being as efficient as expected.

Choose Reese Orthodontics

If you’re an adult who is considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you. 

Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.

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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

Office Hours:

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).