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Dental Implants: Can You Use Them In Your Orthodontic Care?

by Arthur Bates

If you're undergoing orthodontic care soon, a dentist may use anchoring devices, such as headgear, elastics, and bands, during your treatment. But these types of anchors can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, or cumbersome for some patients. Dental implants can eliminate the need to use headgear or elastics during orthodontic treatment. Learn how you can use dental implants as anchors for your orthodontic treatment.

How Can Dental Implants Become Anchors?

Dentists use dental implants for a variety of reasons, including to replace missing teeth and to stabilize dental bridges. Many dental providers also use dental implants to temporarily anchor, or stabilize, orthodontic appliances like braces. Providers call these types of dental implants temporary anchorage devices, or TADs.

Temporary anchorage devices are smaller versions of traditional titanium steel dental implants. The small size allows temporary implants to fit comfortably in the jawbone. The devices also come with tiny caps called abutments, which make it easier for dentists to connect the implants to your braces.

Temporary anchoring dental implants generally remain in place until you complete your orthodontic treatment. This makes the process less stressful for you, especially if you don't have time to visit the dentist for regular upgrades or changes. 

Now that you know more about temporary anchoring implants, you can obtain them for your orthodontic treatment.

How Do You Obtain Implants for Your Orthodontic Treatment?

In order to obtain mini implants for your orthodontic treatment, contact a provider or specialist who offers them. You may need to receive a referral from your orthodontist first. So be sure to consult your orthodontist right away. 

After you find an implant provider, you'll need to undergo an evaluation. The evaluation can tell a dental implant provider whether or not you:

  • possess enough room in your jawbone to accommodate mini implant devices
  • need additional care, such as bone integration treatment, to strengthen your jawbone
  • feel comfortable with getting TADs in your jawbone

An implant dentist or surgeon may also need to consider your age during your implant treatment. If you're an older adult who has issues with your jawbone, a provider may need to treat this problem before they install mini implants in your jaw. Your jawbone may not be strong enough to support implants and orthodontic appliances at the same time. 

An implant specialist may also need to work directly with your orthodontist during your treatment. By working together, both dental providers can ensure your teeth move properly during the treatment.

Learn more about your dental implant options by contacting a provider today.

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