Can You Get Invisalign with Fillings? What You Need to Know
If you’ve had dental fillings in the past, you might wonder if Invisalign is still an option. The short answer is yes. In most cases, you can absolutely get Invisalign even if you have fillings. Dr. Stephen Forrest, DDS, at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center frequently works with patients who have existing dental work. The key is making sure your mouth is healthy before beginning treatment.
Can You Get Invisalign If You Have Fillings?
Yes, you can. Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit the exact shape of your teeth, and that includes teeth with fillings. As long as your fillings are stable, intact, and well-sealed, they won’t affect your ability to wear aligners. In fact, many people who have fillings successfully complete Invisalign treatment every year.
Dr. Forrest carefully examines each patient’s dental work before starting Invisalign. He makes sure all fillings are in good condition and identifies any that need repair. This step helps avoid complications later, such as aligners that don’t fit properly or discomfort caused by pressure on a damaged tooth.
What Happens if You Need a Filling Before Invisalign?
If you need a filling before starting treatment, it’s usually best to complete that work first. Any change in the shape of a tooth can affect how your aligners fit. By doing the filling ahead of time, Dr. Forrest can take an accurate digital scan of your mouth and ensure your Invisalign trays match your current tooth structure.
This step isn’t just about fit. It’s also about safety. Placing pressure on a decayed or compromised tooth could cause pain or damage. That’s why Dr. Forrest always addresses active cavities and weak restorations before moving forward with clear aligners.
What If You Need a Filling After You Start Invisalign?
Sometimes new cavities appear during treatment. If this happens, don’t worry, Invisalign can still continue. If the filling is small and doesn’t change the shape of the tooth much, you can often keep using the same aligners. Dr. Forrest will check the fit and let you know if a new scan or updated trays are needed.
When a filling significantly alters the shape of a tooth, your aligners might feel too tight or not seat properly. In that case, Dr. Forrest will rescan your teeth and order a new set of aligners that match your updated smile. This slight delay keeps your treatment on track without sacrificing comfort or accuracy.
Do Fillings Affect Invisalign Attachments?
Not usually. Invisalign sometimes uses small, tooth-colored attachments to help guide certain movements. These attachments are bonded to the surface of your teeth. If you have a composite filling on the front or side of a tooth, Dr. Forrest can usually bond an attachment right over it.
The material of the filling can influence how strong the bond is. Composite fillings generally hold attachments well. Crowns and metal fillings may not bond quite as strongly, but most of the time, it still works. If needed, Dr. Forrest may use an alternative method to move the tooth or skip the attachment entirely.
What About Silver (Amalgam) Fillings?
Silver fillings are more visible than tooth-colored ones, but they don’t stop Invisalign from working. The aligners fit over all your teeth, including any with amalgam fillings. As long as the filling is stable and doesn’t have leakage or cracks, it won’t interfere with your treatment plan.
Dr. Forrest may recommend replacing old silver fillings if they show signs of wear. In some cases, updating them to a composite filling can improve aesthetics and reduce risk of failure during treatment. He’ll let you know if that’s necessary during your initial consultation.
Can Invisalign Cause Fillings to Fail?
Not typically. Invisalign applies gentle, even pressure to move teeth. It doesn’t put unusual stress on your fillings if they’re done correctly. Still, it’s important to monitor for signs of problems like:
- A filling that feels loose
- Sensitivity in a filled tooth that wasn’t there before
- Pain when biting down
If you notice any of these issues, let Dr. Forrest know right away. He can evaluate the tooth and make any necessary repairs. Prompt care prevents minor problems from turning into bigger ones.
How to Protect Your Fillings During Invisalign
The best way to protect your dental work is to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Here are some tips Dr. Forrest shares with his Invisalign patients:
- Remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water.
- Brush and floss after every meal or snack before putting aligners back in.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent decay around fillings.
- Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups throughout treatment.
Keeping your mouth clean reduces the risk of new cavities and helps your fillings last longer.
What If You Have a Lot of Fillings?
Even if you’ve had multiple fillings, Invisalign may still be an option. Dr. Forrest will take a close look at your overall oral health and the condition of your existing dental work. If everything is stable, Invisalign can still be effective.
Patients with older dental work sometimes need more planning, but that doesn’t mean clear aligners are off the table. In fact, many adults with extensive dental history successfully straighten their teeth with Invisalign.
Does Invisalign Work with Crowns or Bridges?
In addition to fillings, you might have crowns or dental bridges. Crowns usually don’t prevent Invisalign treatment, but they can limit where attachments can be placed. Bridges can be more complicated because they link multiple teeth together and don’t move like natural teeth. Dr. Forrest will customize your plan depending on what dental restorations you have.
If a tooth with a crown or bridge needs to move, he’ll evaluate the best method, whether that involves skipping movement on that tooth or adjusting your aligner plan accordingly.
What Makes Dr. Stephen Forrest, DDS, a Trusted Invisalign Provider?
Patients in choose Stephen Forrest, DDS, at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center because of his experience and attention to detail. He understands that many people begin their smile journey with a history of dental work. Fillings, crowns, and other restorations are a normal part of adult dental care. Dr. Forrest takes the time to evaluate each case individually and provide solutions that fit your current dental situation.
He won’t pressure you to replace fillings unless it’s necessary. His goal is to help you move forward with Invisalign safely, comfortably, and with a smile you feel good about.
Tips Before Starting Invisalign with Fillings
If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign and you have fillings, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Schedule a consultation with Dr. Forrest to assess the condition of your teeth and any restorations.
- Fix any damaged or leaking fillings before starting treatment.
- Let your dentist know right away if you notice discomfort or changes during your Invisalign journey.
- Keep up with oral hygiene and regular dental visits to maintain your fillings and prevent new issues.
You don’t need perfect teeth to qualify for Invisalign. You just need healthy teeth. And with the right care and planning, even a mouth with multiple fillings can respond beautifully to Invisalign. Contact us today for your initial consultation. We look forward to creating your beautiful new smile with Invisalign!
