Braces With Crowns: Can You Straighten Teeth If You Have a Dental Crown?

Many adults who have dental crowns from previous cavities, fractures, or root canal treatments later decide to pursue orthodontic treatment for straighter teeth. If you have searched terms like “braces with crowns” or “can you get braces with crowns,” you are not alone.

The encouraging news is that orthodontic treatment is often very feasible for patients with dental crowns. If you are interested, you can read more about braces with crowns here. Success depends on careful planning, the appropriate bonding technique, and a slightly modified approach compared to braces on natural enamel.

What Does “Braces With Crowns” Mean?

A dental crown, or cap, covers the visible portion of a tooth. Orthodontic appliances such as braces or aligners move teeth by applying gentle pressure, prompting changes in the root and surrounding bone. Because the root remains natural, a crowned tooth can still move during orthodontic treatment.
The main difference lies not in the tooth’s ability to move, but in the method used to bond brackets or attachments to the crown’s surface.

Can You Get Braces If You Have Crowns?

In most cases, yes. Orthodontists routinely treat patients who have restorations such as crowns, bridges, fillings, or veneers. Crowns rarely disqualify someone from receiving braces or clear aligner therapy.

However, treatment becomes more complex when:

• The crown is loose, cracked, or poorly sealed
• There is underlying decay
• The patient has a fixed bridge or dental implants (which do not move like natural teeth)
• Tooth movement requires strong bonding to a smooth or challenging crown surface

Do Crowned Teeth Move More Slowly?

They may appear to move more slowly, primarily because these cases sometimes need closer monitoring, more refinements, or occasional rebonding if the crown’s surface causes attachment loss.
Biologically, though, tooth movement is driven by the tooth root and supporting bone, not the crown itself. A stable, healthy crowned tooth can often move as predictably as a natural one.

The Main Concern: Will Brackets Adhere to Crowns?

Brackets bond most effectively to natural enamel, which can be etched for better mechanical retention. Crowns, made of materials such as porcelain, zirconia, metal, or ceramic, can have smooth, glazed finishes that make bonding less predictable.

To improve adhesion, orthodontists may:

• Use specialized primers and bonding agents designed for ceramics
• Gently abrade or sandblast the crown’s surface to increase bonding strength
• Place orthodontic bands around certain teeth rather than bonding brackets directly (especially molars)

Clinical research shows that bonding to ceramic or porcelain is achievable, but precise technique is essential.

Braces vs. Invisalign When You Have Crowns

Braces (brackets and wires)
Advantages:

• Excellent control of tooth movement
• Effective even when some teeth are difficult to bond

Considerations:

• Brackets may detach more frequently from smooth crowns
• Bracket removal requires caution to prevent surface damage

Invisalign or Clear Aligners
Advantages:

• No need for individual bracket bonding
• Highly compatible with most types of crowns

Considerations:

• Attachments may not bond as securely to crowns as to enamel
• If a new crown is placed during treatment, new aligners or adjustments may be needed

Both options can be successful. The optimal choice depends on the number and location of crowns and the complexity of the planned tooth movements.

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What If You Need Both a Crown and Braces?

When orthodontic treatment and crown placement are both needed, coordination between your orthodontist and general dentist is important. Typically, temporary crowns are used during orthodontic movement, followed by final crowns once teeth and bite are properly aligned.
This approach helps avoid complications such as crowns that no longer fit after alignment or aligners that no longer seat properly following crown placement.

Temporary Crowns During Orthodontic Treatment

Temporary crowns may pose additional bonding challenges, so orthodontists often modify their bonding techniques accordingly. If a temporary crown’s shape changes during treatment, aligners or bite adjustments might also be necessary.

Key Risks and How They Are Managed

1. Bracket or Attachment Detachment – The most common issue related to crowns. It is easily managed with rebonding and minor technique adjustments.
2. Crown Damage – Rare, but possible, particularly with older or compromised crowns. Orthodontists take care during bonding and removal to protect crown surfaces.
3. Hidden Decay or Leakage – Any decay or cement failure beneath a crown should be treated before starting orthodontic therapy. A comprehensive dental exam and X‑rays are standard pre‑treatment steps.

What Orthodontists Evaluate Before Beginning Treatment

A sound orthodontic plan typically includes:

• Assessment of crown integrity and stability
• Evaluation of gum health around crowned teeth
• Review of bite goals and whether crown replacement may be needed after treatment
• Consideration of braces, aligners, or a hybrid approach

Key Takeaway

Dental crowns rarely prevent successful orthodontic treatment. With proper planning, careful bonding techniques, and coordination between dental providers, patients with crowns can achieve excellent alignment outcomes through braces or clear aligners.