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If you’re familiar with dental implants in San Jose, you’re probably aware that they're one of the best dental procedures to help fix damaged and missing teeth. While this procedure offers plenty of possibilities for repairing and replacing damaged teeth, there are some things that dental implants can’t do. And that is, dental implants can’t fix crooked teeth.  

While dental implants are one of the easiest ways of replacing lost or broken teeth while maintaining their functionality and appearance, they can’t solve every dental problem. To understand why this isn’t possible, it’s essential to know how dental implants function and what are the viable alternatives to fix crooked teeth. Here’s everything you need to know about dental implants and braces to get you started.  

How Dental Implants and Braces Work  

What Is Involved in Getting Dental Implants?  

Getting dental implants involves replacing your tooth roots with titanium screws that will serve as the base of your artificial tooth. Patients who decide to get dental implants pass through a series of tests to determine whether or not dental implants can fix their dental condition. Each patient must have an individualized treatment plan to address their specific needs.  

Dental implants are designed to provide a strong foundation for fixed or temporary teeth to improve patients' ability to eat, talk, or improve their overall oral health. If the patient’s problem doesn’t involve replacing damaged or missing teeth, then dental implants aren’t the solution to their problem.  

What Is Involved in Getting Braces?  

Getting braces involves attaching brackets, wires, and bands around the front of your teeth which helps correct the alignment of your teeth. If you’re suffering from misaligned or crooked teeth, getting braces is the proper remedy that can help straighten your teeth. While dental implants could last forever depending on how well you take care of them, braces have a fixed date for when you can wear them.  

For braces, orthodontists are responsible for correcting the different issues of your teeth which include problems that involve straightening teeth, misaligned bites, and jaw problems. While general dentists can fix simple alignment and tooth problems, orthodontists have in-depth experience in fixing crooked teeth.  

Are Implants a Good Alternative to Braces?  

No, dental implants are not a good alternative to braces. Dental implants alone can’t fix crooked teeth the way braces can do. However, dental implants can go hand in hand with braces so that these implants can replace missing teeth where the wires and brackets of the braces can latch on.  

What Procedure Is Best for Me?  

Braces are your saving grace if you’re suffering from crooked, misaligned, and overcrowded teeth. However, if you have problems related to damaged, cracked, or missing teeth, dental implants can easily replace them. Either way, you’ll still need to consult your dentist before you can undergo any of these dental procedures.     

Do You Need Dental Implants in San Jose?  

Now that you know that dental implants can’t solve every dental problem that you have, there are other options other than this procedure for you to choose from. If you need more advice on dealing with your dental issues, head to the Center for Advanced Dentistry. Please schedule your appointment with us today!