Orthodontic treatment can have different meanings for different people. For some, orthodontics may be understood as only a corrective procedure to realign teeth and straighten the smile. On the other hand, some will associate orthodontics with the complete redo of their smile through cosmetic procedures such as veneers or Invisalign. However, the answer to the question “Are dental implants considered an orthodontic procedure?” seems to be debatable among dentists and specialists in this field. While most would agree that both dental implants and orthodontic treatment are corrective measures tailored towards straightening your teeth and smile, not everyone would agree on whether they are interlinked or associated in any way.
What is Orthodontic Implant?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and correction of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists are dentists who have been trained to diagnose, treat and correct dental abnormalities. Some are misalignment, malposition, and malocclusion of teeth and facial structures, including the jaws, lips, palate, and tongue.
Even though the term “orthodontics” is widely associated with misalignment and teeth straightening. The specialists in this field also provide corrective treatments to address issues with facial aesthetics and functionality. Orthodontic Implants are tiny implants that are used with orthodontic treatment (braces) as anchors to move teeth. “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”. So moving teeth is often difficult when there is not a lot of support.
Orthodontics is the art and science of making teeth straighten up some ideal. The most common useage of implants is to replace missing teeth and thus not orthodontics per definition. Implants are, however, sometimes used by orthodontist as temporary attachment device for orthodontic treatments.
What is a Dental Implant?
It is a surgical procedure in which a titanium post is surgically placed under the gums to replace missing tooth . During the procedure, the titanium post will fuse with the jawbone. A dental implant offers stable support and a long-term solution for individuals who are missing one or more teeth.
Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth. Before choosing a dental implant over other tooth replacement options, like a bridge or a denture, patients should understand the procedure and how it could affect their everyday life. During a dental implant procedure, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will surgically place a titanium post into the jawbone. The post acts as an anchor for a tooth replacement option, like a crown or a bridge.
Why are Implants Considered Orthodontic?
While orthodontics is associated with the treatment and correction of dental and facial irregularities, dental implants are a surgical procedure that replaces missing teeth. Therefore, orthodontists, who are dentists who specialise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental abnormalities, may choose to replace missing teeth with dental implants. In these cases, when solving dental issues, like replacing missing teeth, orthodontists typically choose dental implants over other tooth replacement options such as bridges and dentures.
Ultimately, your oral surgeon and orthodontist will work together on a treatment plan that requires both braces and dental implants to determine the optimal timing for both treatments.
Why are Implants NOT considered Orthodontic?
Dental implants are a tooth replacement method that orthodontists may choose to employ during the correction of dental irregularities. Orthodontics is a dental speciality that is concerned with preventing, diagnosing, and correcting dental and facial abnormalities. Therefore, dental implants are not considered a part of orthodontics, as they are not concerned with correcting dental irregularities.
Does orthodontics include implants?
Ideally, orthodontic treatment, including braces, will be placed on the teeth and the treatment completed before the implants are placed in the mouth. It is possible to leave room open for the dental implant during the orthodontic treatment process.
Is an implant an orthodontic?
Orthodontic Implants are tiny implants that are used with orthodontic treatment (braces) as anchors to move teeth. “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”. So moving teeth is often difficult when there is not a lot of support.
Conclusion
While orthodontics is a dental specialty that is concerned with correcting dental and facial abnormalities. Dental implants are a surgical procedure that replaces missing teeth. Orthodontists may employ dental implants to replace missing teeth during the correction of dental irregularities. Although they are not considered a part of orthodontics as they are not concerned with correcting dental abnormalities. Orthodontics and dental implants are two different dental procedures that are often associated with each other due to their commonalities, such as the long healing process and cost.
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