Braces With Dental Implants: Can You Get Braces Before or After Implants?

Q: Can braces damage or loosen a dental implant?

No, braces wont damage or loosen a dental implant. Implants are securely fixed to the jawbone and dont move like natural teeth.

Q: Is it better to get braces before or after dental implants?

Its usually better to get braces first. That way, your teeth can be aligned properly before placing a fixed implant in the right spot.

Kavya Ramesh

• Dr Nagarjuna Ys

Feb 12, 2026

•

7 min read

•

Implants

More and more adults today are seeking both orthodontic treatment and dental implants to improve their smile and overall oral health. Whether it's to fix alignment issues or replace missing teeth, the combination of braces and implants is becoming increasingly common. But with this growing demand comes a lot of confusion. Many patients wonder if it's possible to get braces after having implants, or if implants should come first. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how the two treatments work together and help you understand the right order based on your dental needs.

What Are Braces With Dental Implants?

Braces with dental implants refer to orthodontic treatment that involves straightening natural teeth in a mouth where one or more dental implants are already present. Since implants are permanently fixed to the jawbone and cannot move, orthodontists work around them by shifting the surrounding natural teeth. In many cases, the implant serves as a stable anchor point during treatment. If the implant is already crowned, the crown may need adjustment after the braces are removed to ensure it fits the new alignment. This combined approach is often used when patients need both tooth replacement and teeth straightening in the same treatment plan.

Can You Get Braces With Dental Implants?

Yes, you can get braces even if you have dental implants. However, implants are fixed in the jaw and cannot be moved like natural teeth. Ideally, braces are done first to create proper spacing, and then implants are placed. But if you already have an implant, braces can still be used to shift the surrounding natural teeth while the implant stays in place and may act as an anchor.

Which Treatment Should Come First: Braces or Dental Implants?

When deciding between braces and dental implants, it's usually better to get braces first. Braces move your natural teeth into their correct positions, and once that’s done, your dentist can place implants in the right spots to match the alignment. Implants don’t move like real teeth, so placing them before orthodontic treatment can limit how well the braces work or even cause alignment problems later. Always talk to both your orthodontist and implant specialist before starting, so they can plan your treatment timeline together.

Braces After Dental Implant vs Dental Implant During Braces

Getting braces after a dental implant is possible but restricts movement of the implanted tooth, while getting an implant during or after braces allows for optimal, planned positioning. Generally, getting braces first is preferred to align surrounding teeth, as implants are fixed and cannot be moved.

Feature / Aspect	Braces After Dental Implant	Dental Implant During Braces
Treatment Sequence	The implant is placed first. Braces are started later to align remaining natural teeth.	Braces treatment begins first. The implant is placed while orthodontic treatment is ongoing.
Tooth Movement	Natural teeth can be moved, but the implant stays fixed in one position.	Teeth are aligned first to create the right space before implant placement.
Flexibility in Alignment	Limited flexibility because the implant cannot be shifted once placed.	Greater flexibility since spacing and alignment are adjusted before fixing the implant.
Treatment Planning	Requires careful planning to work around the implant position.	Planning focuses on preparing ideal spacing for the future implant.
Treatment Duration	May take longer if adjustments are needed around the implant.	Often more streamlined because alignment and spacing are managed together.
Spacing Correction	If spacing was not ideal before implant placement, correction becomes complex.	Orthodontists create the exact space needed, making implant placement more precise.
Aesthetic Outcome	Good results are possible, but may be slightly limited if implant position restricts movement.	Usually delivers more balanced smile results since teeth are aligned before implant fixation.
Bone and Gum Considerations	Implant integrates with bone first. Braces treatment must respect that fixed structure.	Bone healing and implant placement are timed carefully alongside tooth movement.
Orthodontic Complexity	Orthodontic work can become more technical due to immovable implant support.	Orthodontic mechanics are easier to manage before implant placement.
Ideal Candidates	Suitable for patients who already have implants and later decide to fix alignment.	Suitable for patients missing teeth but planning full alignment and replacement together.
Cost Planning	Costs are split across two phases, often done years apart.	Treatment costs are planned together as part of a combined dental approach.

Common Scenarios Where Braces with Implants Are Recommended

There are several situations where dentists suggest combining braces and dental implants. This is often done to improve both appearance and function.

1. Missing Teeth Along with Crooked or Misaligned Natural Teeth

When a person has one or more missing teeth and the remaining ones are not aligned properly, braces are used to straighten the natural teeth before placing implants in the gaps.

2. Gaps from Tooth Loss That Need Orthodontic Space Correction

If teeth have been missing for a while, nearby teeth might have shifted into the empty space. Braces help in creating the right amount of space before a dental implant is placed.

3. Bite Problems with Missing Teeth

Some patients have bite issues like overbite, underbite, or crossbite along with missing teeth. Braces help fix the alignment and positioning before implants are added for better chewing and jaw balance.

4. Teeth Shifting After Extraction

After a tooth is removed, the nearby teeth can shift into the open space. Braces can bring these teeth back to their correct positions before an implant is placed to restore the gap.

5. Crowding That Affects Implant Positioning

Sometimes, teeth are too close together or crowded. This can make it difficult to place an implant in the right spot. Braces are used to create enough space so that the implant fits well and functions properly.

Braces with Implants Procedure

If you're wondering how braces and implants work together, here's a step-by-step look at the process most dentists follow:

1. Initial Consultation and Planning

Dentists first assess the overall oral condition, including the health of teeth, gums, and jawbone. X-rays and scans are taken to plan the treatment properly.

2. Implant Position and Stability Check

Before braces are placed, the dentist checks if the implant has already been placed and is stable, or if there’s a need to create space first using braces.

3. Braces Placement

Braces are placed to shift the natural teeth into proper alignment. This helps create enough space and ensures that the future implant or existing one fits into the bite correctly.

4. Guided Tooth Movement Around Implant

If the implant is already present, the braces move the natural teeth around it. Implants do not shift like real teeth, so the braces are carefully adjusted to work around them.

5. Regular Monitoring and Adjustments

Dentists and orthodontists monitor the movement regularly and adjust the braces over time. This step ensures everything stays on track and aligns properly.

6. Final Bite Alignment

Once the teeth are aligned and the implant is in place, dentists make final corrections to ensure the bite is even and functional.

7. Retainers and Long-Term Maintenance

After braces are removed, retainers are used to keep teeth in place. Patients are also guided on how to care for their implant and natural teeth to maintain the results for years to come.

Risks and Limitations of Braces With Dental Implants

While it’s possible to get braces with dental implants, there are a few things patients should know:

1. Implants Don’t Move Like Natural Teeth

Once a dental implant is placed in the jaw, it stays fixed. Unlike natural teeth, it cannot be shifted with braces. That means orthodontic treatment needs to work around it rather than move it.

2. Tooth Movement Around the Implant Is Limited

Since the implant stays in place, only the surrounding natural teeth can be moved. This requires careful planning to avoid crowding or imbalance.

3. Longer Treatment Time

Because the treatment has to work around fixed implants, the braces process might take longer than usual. More time is needed to reach the desired results without affecting the implant.

4. Bite Issues If Planning Isn’t Perfect

If the treatment isn't mapped out properly, it can cause bite imbalance. Since the implant can’t adjust, any wrong positioning can create pressure points or discomfort when biting or chewing.

5. Needs Regular Check-Ins

Ongoing monitoring is crucial. Too much force around the implant can cause stress or damage. Regular dental visits ensure that everything stays on track without harming the implant area.

Who Is the Right Candidate for Braces With Dental Implants?

Braces with implants aren’t for everyone. Here’s who it usually works best for:

1. Patients With Existing, Stable Implants

People who already have one or more well-integrated implants may be able to get braces, especially if the implants are not where most of the movement is needed.

2. People With Mild to Moderate Alignment Issues

If the teeth around the implant are only slightly misaligned or need minor shifting, braces can work without disturbing the implant.

3. Patients Needing Bite Correction Without Moving the Implant

In some cases, the implant doesn’t need to move at all. The orthodontist may use braces to correct bite alignment using the other natural teeth.

Closing Thoughts

Braces and dental implants can work well together when the treatment is planned carefully. Since implants do not move like natural teeth, the right sequence and regular monitoring matter a lot. A quick consultation with a specialist can help you choose the safest and most suitable approach for your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you get braces if you already have a dental implant?

Yes, you can. Braces can still be used to move your natural teeth around the implant. However, the implant itself will stay fixed in place.

2. Can braces damage or loosen a dental implant?

No, braces won’t damage or loosen a dental implant. Implants are securely fixed to the jawbone and don’t move like natural teeth.

3. Does a dental implant move during braces treatment?

No, implants do not move because they are fused to the bone. Braces work around them by shifting the surrounding natural teeth.

4. Is it better to get braces before or after dental implants?

It’s usually better to get braces first. That way, your teeth can be aligned properly before placing a fixed implant in the right spot.

5. How long does braces treatment take if you have an implant?

The treatment time depends on your overall dental condition. Having an implant might slightly affect the planning, but it doesn’t usually make the treatment longer.

IMPLANTS

BRACES TREATMENT OPTIONS

Kavya Ramesh

Kavya is a Patient Care Manager at Dezy, one of India’s leading dental clinic chains, where she focuses on simplifying complex dental topics and helping patients understand their treatment options, as well as broader health and wellness practices for everyday living. Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting and spending time with her dog, Mimi.

Dr Nagarjuna Ys

Dr. Nagarjuna Ys is an experienced dentist with over 9 years of clinical expertise. At Dezy, he is dedicated to delivering accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, and exceptional patient care. With a strong focus on both medical precision and patient comfort, Dr. Nagarjuna strives to make every dental experience smooth, effective, and stress-free.