Combining Invisalign & Bonding
When you’re confident about your smile, you can grin from ear to ear in photos. A healthy smile can make a good first impression. Everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of, so taking care of your teeth can be essential for self-care and healthcare.
There are many cosmetic and orthodontic methods for enhancing your smile, from teeth whitening to Invisalign. Straightening your teeth can make a significant difference in the function and appearance of your teeth. Still, orthodontics can’t change the colour or shape of your teeth.
So can patients combine dental services to improve shape and position? Can you get Invisalign with bonded teeth?
What Are Bonded Teeth?
Dental bonding or teeth bonding uses a composite resin—a material that matches the colour of your natural teeth—to help reshape their appearance. Dental bonding is similar to adding veneers but with different materials.
The tooth-coloured resin can repair damage or help enhance shape. For example, dental bonding can add length if a tooth is too short and appears uneven in your smile.
Generally, tooth bonding takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the extent of the repairs or changes. The procedure is similar to having a cavity filled and typically doesn’t require an anesthetic. First, the tooth’s surface is roughened, then the resin is applied directly to the tooth. Next, the dentist shapes the resin before hardening it with a special light.
Bonding can help repair cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth. The composite resin can be painted over stains to alter tooth colour. Additionally, bonding can add to a tooth, such as increasing length, width, or filling gaps between teeth.
Although the resin material can withstand most day-to-day needs, it’s not as strong as your natural teeth. For example, the resin may chip or detach if you bite on a hard substance, such as ice chips or hard candy.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a popular choice for clear aligners, an orthodontic alternative to braces. Rather than traditional wires and brackets, Invisalign uses transparent trays similar to a mouthguard or retainer. With braces, the wires are tightened to help change teeth position, whereas Invisalign patients receive new aligners every 1–2 weeks.
The aligners are nearly invisible and generally work faster than braces. Patients can typically see results in less than 2 years. Invisalign is also considered less uncomfortable when compared to traditional braces. As the aligners are removable, it’s also easier to keep enjoying your favourite foods.
Invisalign treatment uses 3D scans to develop a customized treatment plan with custom-fit the aligners. Common treatable cases include:
Invisalign with Bonded Teeth
Patients can get Invisalign with bonded teeth! Invisalign and bonding can be complementary services.
For example, a patient may remove stains or repair a chip with bonding, then use Invisalign to straighten their teeth. Alternatively, after completing their Invisalign treatment, some of their newly straightened teeth are too short to create an even smile. Adding a few fixes with bonding enhances the appearance of their professionally straightened teeth.
Although patients can have Invisalign with bonded teeth (or have bonding after Invisalign), the order matters. Bonding can be done before or after Invisalign; but not during orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign works faster than traditional braces, but the process is still gradual. Patients may notice flaws mid-way through treatment—such as a stained or chipped tooth. However, the changes aren’t complete. Therefore, it’s best to make any size, shape, or colour adjustments after your Invisalign treatment is finished.
Notably, it would be unusual for a dentist to recommend a cosmetic dental procedure during orthodontic treatment. Altering your teeth would interfere with the treatment.
Is Invisalign Safe to Use with Bonded Teeth?
Although the composite resin isn’t as tough as your tooth enamel, dental bonding can last many years. When you take care of your teeth, you’re also taking care of any fillings, crowns, or bonded material. Practicing good oral habits can help protect the integrity of dental bonding.
Invisalign, like traditional braces, uses force over time to move teeth into place. However, the force shouldn’t affect bonding or any artificial attachments. The aligners use pressure on the whole tooth, so the force isn’t placed solely on the composite resin. As long as your custom-fit aligners are used as directed, your treatment won’t damage bonded teeth.
Before beginning your treatment, patients should discuss any prior cosmetic or restorative dental procedures, such as bonding or veneers. Although your dentist will examine your teeth and complete scans, it can be beneficial to discuss your concerns.
Your dentist will monitor the health of your teeth—including any cosmetic additions—during your Invisalign treatment.
Enhance Your Smile Today
Invisalign and bonding are 2 options for achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. When appropriate, patients can combine orthodontic and cosmetic treatments under the guidance of their oral care team. When you have questions about Invisalign, bonding, or other smile-boosting services, contact Symmetry Dental. We can recommend options available to support your smile. Book an appointment today!
