Key Takeaways

• Understanding how crowns and implants differ from natural teeth helps explain how clear aligners work with each type of restoration. Learn more
• Most patients with dental crowns can successfully use clear aligners, though some special considerations may apply. Learn more
• Clear aligners can't move dental implants, but treatment can still align other teeth around them. Learn more
• Professional oversight from a qualified dentist is essential for patients with dental restorations, and consultation with a qualified provider like Linea is recommended to assess individual cases. Learn more

Understanding Dental Crowns and Implants

Before diving into how clear aligners interact with these dental restorations, let's clarify what crowns and implants actually are:

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is essentially a cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns are typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and are cemented onto the tooth. They're commonly used to:

• Strengthen teeth weakened by decay or large fillings
• Restore broken or severely worn teeth
• Cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
• Protect teeth after root canal treatment

Unlike implants, crowns are attached to your natural teeth, which still have roots and periodontal ligaments connecting them to your jaw bone. Before applying the crown, the dentist may need to "prep" the tooth, which involves removing some of the enamel.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into your jawbone, typically to replace missing teeth. Once an implant is placed, it fuses with your bone through a process called osseointegration. After the implant has healed, the dentist will attach a crown or bridge.

The key difference between implants and natural teeth (or teeth with crowns) is that implants are directly integrated with your bone and have no periodontal ligament. This fundamental difference significantly impacts how they respond to orthodontic treatment.

Clear Aligners with Dental Crowns

Dental crowns won't necessarily prevent someone from getting clear aligner treatment. However, they could make the process more complicated. Here's how it works.

Can Clear Aligners Move Crowned Teeth?

Yes, in most cases, clear aligners can effectively move teeth that have crowns. Since the crown is attached to a natural tooth that still has roots and periodontal ligaments, it can be shifted just like a natural tooth. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

Fit and Design: Clear aligners like Linea are custom-designed using digital scans of your teeth, so they're created to fit precisely over your existing dental work, including crowns. The material and shape of crowns are taken into account during the treatment planning phase.

Attachment Placement: Sometimes, small tooth-colored attachments are necessary to help the aligners grip and move teeth more effectively. Dentists can place them on crowned teeth, though the bonding process may differ slightly compared to natural teeth.

Crown Material: Most modern dental crowns are compatible with clear aligner treatment. Aligners can safely move porcelain, ceramic, and metal crowns, though different materials may respond differently to orthodontic forces.

Crown Condition: The condition of your crown is important. To prevent complications, the dentist might need to check or replace older or ill-fitting crowns before starting treatment.

Potential Challenges

While clear aligners can generally work with crowns, patients should be aware of potential challenges:

Risk of Dislodgement: There's a small risk that the orthodontic forces could loosen a crown, especially if it's older or not securely bonded. Your dentist should evaluate the stability of your crowns before treatment begins.

Resistance to Movement: In some cases, crowned teeth may move slightly slower than natural teeth due to differences in rigidity and response to pressure.

Aesthetics After Treatment: Once your teeth have been aligned, you might need to replace certain crowns to match the new positions of your teeth, especially for front teeth where aesthetics are important.

Clear Aligners with Dental Implants

If you have implants, you might still be able to get clear aligners, but it depends on your specific misalignments and the placement of the implants.

Can Clear Aligners Move Dental Implants?

No, clear aligners cannot move dental implants. Since dental implants are fused directly to your jawbone (osseointegrated), they lack the periodontal ligament that allows natural teeth to move in response to orthodontic pressure. That can present complications for the teeth around these implants, which still may need to move.

How Clear Aligners Work Around Implants

Despite this limitation, many patients with dental implants can still benefit from clear aligner treatment. Here's how it typically works:

• The dentist designs the treatment plan to work around the fixed position of the implant(s).
• Natural teeth can be moved to achieve better alignment while the implant remains stationary.
• In some cases, particularly with traditional braces, the implant can serve as an anchor point to help move other teeth. (Note: This is less common with clear aligners.)

Treatment Planning Considerations

If you have dental implants, your clear aligner treatment will require careful planning. This includes:

Implant Location: The position of your implants will influence which tooth movements are possible. This could limit certain treatment options.

Number of Implants: Multiple implants, especially if they're in strategic locations, may further restrict the scope of possible orthodontic movement.

Treatment Goals: You may need to adjust your expectations based on what the aligners can realistically achieve while working around fixed implants.

Comparison: Clear Aligners with Crowns vs. Implants

Aspect	With Crowns	With Implants
Can aligners move them?	Yes, crowns can move with the underlying tooth.	No, implants are fixed and cannot be moved.
Fit and design	Aligners can fit over crowns. Some may need attachments.	Aligners work around implants.
Risks	Crowns can dislodge if they're damaged or not secure.	No risk to implant, but may limit tooth movement.
Consultation needed	Essential to check crown stability.	Essential to plan around implant position.
Treatment complexity	Moderate. Requires monitoring.	High. Requires strategic planning.

What to Expect During Treatment

No matter what kind of misalignments or dental work you have, it's good to understand what you're getting into before starting treatment. Here's what to expect for clear aligners with crowns or implants.

Initial Assessment

Before starting clear aligner treatment with crowns or implants, you'll need a comprehensive assessment with a Linea dentist. This typically includes:

• A detailed examination of your teeth, including the condition of any crowns or implants.
• X-rays to evaluate bone and root structure.
• Digital scans for creating your custom treatment plan.
• A discussion of your specific needs and treatment goals.

If you're wondering about the full treatment journey, check out The Linea Experience: A Start-to-Finish Treatment Journey our detailed walkthrough of what to expect.

Special Care Instructions

Complex treatments often require some ongoing patient compliance, and aligner treatment with crowns/implants is no different. Patients with dental restorations should follow these special care guidelines during treatment:

For Crowned Teeth:

• Take extra care when removing aligners to avoid putting excessive pressure on crowned teeth or dislodging crowns.
• Monitor for any signs of crown loosening or discomfort.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene, especially around crown margins.

For Implants:

• Maintain meticulous oral hygiene around implants to prevent peri-implantitis (inflammation around implants).
• Be aware that your treatment plan may include additional attachments on natural teeth to achieve the desired movements.

Monitoring and Check-ups

Regular monitoring is crucial for all orthodontic treatments, but especially for patients with dental restorations. With Linea, you'll upload photos monthly through the app, and Linea's clinical team will review your progress to ensure your teeth are moving as expected. For patients with crowns or implants, they'll pay special attention to how your natural teeth are moving in relation to any fixed restorations.

If any issues arise—such as concerns about crown stability or unexpected tooth movements—Linea's team will coordinate with your local dentist for an in-person examination. You'll also return to your dentist for scheduled mid-treatment checkups as outlined in your treatment plan. This collaborative approach ensures you get professional oversight when needed while maintaining the convenience and affordability of remote monitoring.

Finding the Right Provider

Having qualified clinical oversight is crucial for successful treatment, especially for complex cases involving crowns or implants. This is where you need both professional in-person care for key appointments and expert clinical support throughout your treatment journey.

The Importance of Professional Oversight

While direct-to-consumer or "at-home" clear aligners have become popular, they present significant risks for patients with dental crowns or implants.

For example, these options typically lack:

• Comprehensive initial examination, which is necessary for determining whether your crowns, implants, and natural teeth are in good enough shape for clear aligners.
• Professional oversight throughout treatment, which can address issues as they arise and keep your treatment on track.
• Customized approaches for complex cases involving dental restorations.

To learn more about the differences between treatment options, check out our guide to affordable Invisalign alternatives for a detailed comparison.

Why Choose In-Office Clear Aligners Like Linea

It's best to go with a provider who will see you in person to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your treatment. For patients with crowns or implants, Linea offers several advantages:

Professional Assessment: Every Linea treatment begins with a thorough in-person examination by a qualified dentist, who can properly evaluate the condition of your crowns and implants What to Expect at Your Linea Fitting Appointment.

Customized Treatment Planning: Linea's team designs treatment plans with your specific dental situation in mind, including any restorations you may have.

Ongoing Clinical Support: Linea's clinical team monitors your progress throughout treatment, with the ability to coordinate with your local dentist whenever issues arise—such as concerns about crown stability or unexpected tooth movements around implants.

Flexibility: If you need adjustments during treatment, Linea's team can coordinate prompt solutions with your local dentist.

Affordability: Because Linea has leveraged remote monitoring technology while maintaining professional oversight, treatment prices are often lower than the competition ($2,698–$4,998), even for complex cases.

Final Thoughts

Having dental crowns or implants doesn't necessarily mean you can't benefit from clear aligner treatment. With proper assessment, careful planning, and professional oversight, many patients with dental restorations can achieve a beautifully aligned smile.

The key to success lies in working with a qualified team that understands the unique considerations involved in treating patients with crowns and implants. Linea's approach combines in-person care from experienced dentists with ongoing clinical support, offering the expertise and personalized attention needed for these more complex cases. If you're considering clear aligners but have crowns or implants, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a Linea dentist who can evaluate your specific situation.