It is natural to wonder whether implants are considered part of orthodontics, especially if you have missing teeth, crowding, or bite problems and are comparing different treatment options.
The short answer is no. Implants and orthodontic treatment often work together in one overall plan, but they are not the same type of service. Understanding how they connect will help you make confident decisions about your smile, especially if you are looking at braces, clear aligners, and implant options in Somerset, NJ.
Implants and Orthodontics: Understanding the Connection
Implants are artificial tooth roots, usually made of titanium, that are placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. After the implant heals and bonds with the bone, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached on top. The main goal is to restore chewing, stabilize your bite, and help prevent bone loss in the area where a tooth is missing.
Orthodontics, by contrast, is the specialty of gently moving natural teeth into better alignment. Braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances are used to correct crowding, close gaps, and improve the bite and appearance of your smile.
So, are dental implants considered orthodontics? No. Implants are part of restorative and surgical dentistry, while orthodontics focuses on tooth and jaw position. However, they often support each other in one treatment plan, especially when you work with a dental implant Somerset provider who looks at the full picture of your bite and smile.
The Role of Orthodontics in Implant Dentistry
Even though implants are not orthodontic devices, orthodontics can play a major role in planning successful implant cases. If teeth have tipped or drifted into the space of a missing tooth, braces or clear aligners may be needed first to open or reshape the space so the implant can be placed in the ideal position.
Orthodontic treatment can also:
- Correct crowding that makes implant placement difficult
- Align tilted or rotated teeth so the new implant crown looks natural
In some cases, orthodontists use very small temporary anchorage devices, sometimes called mini-implants or TADs, as anchors to help move teeth more precisely. These are often referred to as “orthodontic implants,” but they are not the same as full implants that permanently replace missing teeth. TADs are removed once tooth movement is complete, while true dental implants are designed to stay in place long term.
Who Is Best Qualified to Place Implants
Because implants involve surgery and precision restorations, they should be done by a dentist or specialist with training and experience. General dentists with advanced implant training, periodontists, and oral surgeons commonly place them, while restorative or cosmetic dentists design the crowns, bridges, or dentures that attach on top.
When you are choosing a dental implant Somerset provider, look for:
- A complete exam with X-rays or 3D imaging
- A dentist who explains your options, including orthodontic treatment if needed
- Before-and-after photos of previous implant cases
- A clear written treatment plan and timeline
Orthodontic Implants Cost and Implant Dentistry as Major Services
Patients also ask how orthodontic implants and full tooth implants are handled for insurance and budgeting. Orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners is usually priced based on how complex your case is and how long treatment will take. If temporary orthodontic mini-implants are used, their cost is typically built into the overall orthodontic fee.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are major restorative services. The cost depends on how many implants you need, whether bone grafting or other preparation is required, and what type of restoration is used – a single crown, an implant-supported bridge, or full-arch teeth. Many practices offer payment plans to make treatment more affordable.
A consultation is the best way to understand your total investment. Your dentist can explain whether you need orthodontic treatment first, whether implants alone will meet your goals, and how each phase will be scheduled.
Choosing the Right Plan for Your Smile
Implants are not considered orthodontics, but they and orthodontic treatment often work hand in hand. Orthodontics moves natural teeth into healthier positions; implants fill in the spaces where teeth are missing and protect your bite for the long term.
If you are unsure whether you need braces, aligners, implants, or a combination, schedule a consultation with a trusted dental implant Somerset provider. A personalized exam and conversation about your goals will help you choose a safe, predictable path to a stronger, more confident smile.
Call Smile Designs 101 at (732) 247-7417 today to schedule your dental implant consultation in Somerset, NJ and explore personalized implant and orthodontic solutions together.