Can You Get Braces If You Have Crowns, Implants, or Fillings?

Millions of people across the world have had orthodontic brace treatment to straighten their teeth. Orthodontic braces for adults are increasingly popular in London, where many of our patients ask if they can still have brace treatment after other dental work. It’s common for adult patients to wonder whether braces are compatible with existing implants, crowns or even fillings. If you have similar concerns, our dentists are here to help.

At Whites Dental, our orthodontic experts can guide you on the best approach to straightening your teeth — even if you’ve had previous dental treatment. While each patient is different, here’s some general advice on having braces with dental implants, crowns and fillings.

Can I Have Orthodontic Braces with Dental Crowns?

Many of our adult patients already have dental crowns from past treatment. The good news? You can still have braces, even with crowns. If you choose fixed metal braces, we’ll simply use a different type of glue on the crown than we would on your natural teeth.

An excellent option for patients with crowns is Invisalign. This discreet, modern system uses clear plastic aligners — with no brackets or wires — making it ideal if you want to avoid bonding anything to your crown. Invisalign is one of our most popular adult options due to its comfort, convenience, and subtle appearance.

In fact, many patients finish their orthodontic treatment with crowns or veneers as part of a complete smile makeover. Braces align the teeth, and crowns can then enhance shape and colour to perfect the final result.

Do Orthodontic Braces Work with Tooth Fillings?

Tooth decay and fillings are common among adults in London, so it’s natural to ask whether you can still have braces if you have fillings. The answer is yes. In fact, crooked teeth may have contributed to the decay that led to those fillings — food traps between overlapping teeth can be harder to clean, increasing your risk of decay.

Before beginning treatment, your orthodontist will assess the condition of any fillings. Most fillings won’t affect your treatment, though larger fillings may require the use of spacers — small rubber bands placed between teeth to create space for brackets or orthodontic bands.

Any untreated cavities must be addressed before treatment begins. Once you have braces, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial to prevent further decay. It’s possible to get a filling during treatment, but accessing the tooth may require temporarily removing a bracket — something we’d prefer to avoid.

Can I Have Orthodontic Braces with Dental Implants?

If you already have a dental implant, keep in mind that implants cannot be moved with braces. However, you can still have orthodontic treatment. Your other teeth can be repositioned around the implant, and if you’re missing a tooth, we can complete your smile with an implant after your braces come off.

If you’re planning on getting both braces and implants, your orthodontist will help coordinate the best sequence. Often, straightening first and placing implants later provides the best result. This ensures there’s enough room in the arch for the implant and surrounding teeth.

We often see patients who’ve been turned away from NHS providers due to their strict rules on adult braces. If you’ve been told you’re not eligible — don’t worry. We offer a range of options for adult patients who want to invest in their smile.

If you’d like to discuss braces with fillings, crowns, or implants, we offer complementary consultations to help you understand your options and build the right plan for your needs.

At Whites Dental, our London dentists provide a full range of fixed and invisible braces to adult patients in Central London. Our clinic is based in London Waterloo, just next to Southwark Tube. We’re also a short walk from Borough Market, Elephant and Castle, and London Bridge.