Answering the question, Is it possible to get braces after having porcelain crowns?

After getting porcelain crowns, many people wish to continue with braces to correct bite misalignment issues. However, clients are often concerned about whether braces are still a feasible option. At The East Rose Dental Clinic, we frequently receive this question. This article will help you better understand the possibility of getting braces after having porcelain crowns, the suitable methods, and the key considerations to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

Can Porcelain-Crowned Teeth Still Be Braced?

Yes, braces are still possible for teeth with porcelain crowns, but it depends on the number of crowns and their condition. In the following cases, braces are possible:

• Partial Crowning: Braces can move both porcelain-crowned and natural teeth to the desired position if only a few teeth, not the entire set, have crowns.
• Intact Crowns: The porcelain crowns must be strong and undamaged, without cracks, chips, or other issues.
• Healthy Natural Tooth Structure: The underlying natural tooth needs to be strong enough to endure the pressure from braces. If the tooth is too weak, there is a risk of it becoming loose or falling out.

However, if you have crowns on all of your teeth, braces are generally unnecessary. Your dentist likely ensures the teeth are proportionate, aesthetically pleasing, and fully functional when they crown all your teeth. In this case, braces are not required.

If you're considering braces after having porcelain crowns, it's important to choose a reputable dental clinic for an examination and to determine the best treatment plan. The orthodontist should be highly skilled and experienced to ensure the process goes smoothly, avoiding any damage to the crowns or the natural teeth underneath.

The key factors that determine the bracing feasibility of full-mouth porcelain crowns

For full-mouth porcelain crowns, getting braces becomes more challenging and usually requires the evaluation and expertise of a highly skilled dentist. The following four factors will determine if full-mouth porcelain-crowned teeth can still undergo orthodontic treatment:

High-quality porcelain crowns
Using high-quality porcelain crowns is crucial for ensuring a smooth orthodontic process. If the crowns or porcelain material used are substandard, they may become dislodged or cracked under the pressure of orthodontic appliances. High-quality crowns not only protect the underlying natural teeth but also ensure that the orthodontic treatment is safe and effective, minimising the risk of damaging the porcelain crowns.

Furthermore, the forces from orthodontic treatment may affect some types of porcelain. Therefore, it's important to consult with your dentist to determine whether your specific type of porcelain is suitable for orthodontic methods.

Strength of the Underlying Natural Tooth
For braces to be viable after porcelain crowning, it is critical that the underlying natural tooth is still strong and healthy. The process of placing porcelain crowns involves shaving down a small amount of the natural tooth. If the remaining tooth structure is substantial and robust, orthodontic treatment is more likely to be successful. However, weakened or excessively shaved natural teeth may be more vulnerable to damage during braces treatment, potentially loosening or breaking under the force of orthodontic appliances.

For expert advice, consult a specialist.

When considering orthodontic treatment on teeth with porcelain crowns, consulting with a dental specialist is crucial. The dentist will assess the current condition of your porcelain crowns and jawbone to determine whether orthodontic treatment is feasible and safe.

They will also provide information on potential risks and suggest appropriate treatment options to ensure optimal results while protecting your oral health.

Complexity of the Dental Issue
Bracing after porcelain crowning is more feasible if the dental issues are not overly complex, such as minor misalignment, slight protrusion, or retrusion. The orthodontist must carefully assess whether the tooth and jaw structure can withstand extensive movement or significant adjustments without damaging the porcelain crowns or affecting the jawbone structure.

Tooth Flexibility
If the teeth have undergone root canal treatment or have become rigid, the bracing process can be more challenging. Teeth that are too rigid are often difficult to move, so the orthodontist must assess whether the teeth have enough flexibility for effective movement.

Extensive or complete root canal treatment may weaken the tooth structure, making it more difficult to effectively adjust the tooth's position without affecting adjacent teeth.

Age and Jawbone Development
Age impacts the ability to adjust teeth, particularly in adults whose jawbones have become more stable. Moving teeth to their desired positions often requires more force and time, which can affect both the porcelain crowns and the underlying natural teeth.

Furthermore, the jawbone's development is critical for orthodontic treatment effectiveness. The jawbone must be strong enough to withstand the forces applied by orthodontic appliances without compromising the porcelain crowns. Accurately assessing these factors ensures that the orthodontic process achieves optimal results.

Readmore: 10 common issues with braces and their effective solutions

Choosing the Right Orthodontic Method After Porcelain Crowning

After having porcelain crowns, selecting the appropriate orthodontic method is crucial to protecting both the natural teeth and the crowns. Here are two types of braces recommended by East Rose Dental Clinic for cases involving porcelain crowns:

Metal Braces

Metal braces use metal or ceramic brackets affixed to the teeth's surface. The combination of the archwire and brackets creates the necessary force to move the teeth into the desired position.

Advantages:

• High Effectiveness: Traditional metal braces provide strong forces and can adjust both natural and porcelain-crowned teeth, making them suitable for significant adjustments and rapid movement.
• Cost-Effective: This method is generally more affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of clients.

Disadvantages: 

• Crown Damage Risk: If not managed properly, the strong forces from metal braces can potentially damage or crack porcelain crowns, as well as affect the underlying natural tooth.
• Hygiene and aesthetic challenges: metal braces can attract plaque and are more noticeable, which can impact aesthetics. Maintaining oral hygiene becomes more complex, especially with porcelain crowns.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign customises clear, removable aligners to fit each patient's teeth. These aligners offer a discreet and flexible option for teeth straightening without the need for traditional brackets and wires.

Advantages:

• Gentle Force: Invisalign applies a light, gradual force that is less likely to damage porcelain crowns or affect the underlying natural teeth compared to traditional braces.
• High Aesthetic Appeal: The clear aligners are nearly invisible, maintaining the aesthetics of the smile during treatment without impacting the porcelain crowns.
• Easy to Clean: Removable aligners make it simpler to maintain oral hygiene, reducing the risk of bacteria buildup and potential infections that could affect dental health.

Disadvantages:

• Slower Results: The gentle force means that Invisalign may take longer to achieve the desired results, especially in cases requiring significant tooth movement.
• Higher Cost: Invisalign is generally more expensive than traditional metal braces, which can be a financial consideration for those already investing in porcelain crowns.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces, also referred to as inner braces, attach the braces to the inner surfaces of the teeth instead of their outer surfaces. This method is particularly suitable for those who wish to correct their teeth without compromising aesthetics, as the brackets and wires are not visible from the outside.

Advantages: 

• High Aesthetics: Throughout the treatment, the braces remain fixed on the inside of the teeth, preserving a natural appearance.
• Effective Treatment: Lingual braces can achieve results similar to other orthodontic methods, effectively addressing issues with misalignment and bite correction.

Disadvantages:

• The placement of braces on the inside of the teeth can make maintaining oral hygiene more challenging, potentially leading to plaque buildup and an increased risk of tooth decay.
• Attaching brackets to porcelain crowns can be challenging due to their smooth surface. This can impact the effectiveness and stability of the orthodontic treatment.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are an orthodontic method that utilises brackets with an automatic mechanism to hold the archwire in place, eliminating the need for elastic bands or other fastening accessories. This reduces friction and provides continuous force, thereby enhancing treatment efficiency and shortening the overall orthodontic process.

Advantages:

• Reduced Friction: The self-ligating mechanism minimises friction between the brackets and the archwire, which can decrease discomfort and improve treatment effectiveness.
• Easier Oral Hygiene: With no elastic bands or additional fastening accessories, oral hygiene becomes simpler, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay.
• Optimised Treatment Time: The self-ligating mechanism allows for more evenly distributed force, potentially accelerating the treatment process compared to traditional methods.

Disadvantages:

• Adhesion Issues on Porcelain Crowns: Although self-ligating braces offer several benefits, attaching brackets to porcelain crowns may still present challenges. The smooth surface of porcelain crowns can reduce the adhesive bond, impacting the stability and effectiveness of the braces.
• Higher Cost: Self-ligating braces typically come with a higher cost compared to traditional orthodontic methods, which could be a consideration for some patients.
• Adjustment Difficulties: Despite their advantages, adjusting self-ligating braces on porcelain crowns can be more complex due to the nature of the porcelain and surface structure differences.

Considerations When Choosing Orthodontics After Porcelain Crowning

When deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment after getting porcelain crowns, it is essential to consider several key factors to ensure effective treatment and protect your oral health. Here are important considerations before starting the orthodontic process:

• Check Crown and Tooth Condition: Before beginning treatment, ensure that the porcelain crowns are intact and the underlying natural teeth are healthy. During the process, damaged crowns or weakened natural teeth may suffer additional harm.
• Choose the Right Orthodontic Method: Invisalign is generally less likely to damage porcelain crowns compared to traditional metal braces. Consult with your orthodontist to select the best method for your specific condition.
• Choose a reputable clinic and experienced orthodontist: Choose a reputable dental clinic and an experienced orthodontist when treating patients with porcelain crowns. This guarantees a safe and effective treatment process.
• Regular Monitoring and Maintenance: Schedule regular check-ups with your orthodontist to monitor the condition of the crowns and adjust the treatment plan as needed. This aids in early detection and management of any potential issues.

At The East Rose Dental Clinic, we are committed to providing you with safe orthodontic solutions, even after porcelain crowning. Our team of professional dentists will ensure that your orthodontic treatment proceeds smoothly, maintaining the durability and beauty of your porcelain crowns. If you have any questions, please contact us for a thorough consultation and to select the most suitable method for your needs!

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