When teeth are crowded or spaced apart, braces or clear aligners are an effective method of correcting these conditions. In the most common cases, teeth will move when they are pushed or pulled with light forces of a few ounces over a longer period. High forces over a short time will either not cause the intended movement or can even cause damage to the roots of the teeth.
Most orthodontic treatments, like braces, are designed to deliver these light forces over long periods of time, like weeks or months. When the visible parts of the teeth are filled or are crowned, the orthodontic forces to the roots are still effective and the roots will move readily into their intended positions.
Since the teeth will move back as readily as they move into position, retainers are necessary to keep the great results in place. Most retention Is necessary for a lifetime since relapse is quite common and sometimes results in the need for retreatment.
Anything that interferes with the slow and steady movement of the teeth will interfere with the eventual outcome. Fillings and crowns do not interfere with orthodontic tooth movement since they do not anchor the roots into place. On the other hand, a bridge will make tooth movement more difficult since the roots are more rigidly attached together or splinted. Implants will not move and teeth near implants have a limited chance to move into some areas since the implants are in the path of treatment.
The orthodontist or general dentist who is treating your tooth movement will take these factors into account to design the best plan of action to take when moving your teeth. Most plans for tooth movement can successfully accomplish the desired results even though the bridge or implant may be in the way.
In some cases, replacing the bridge or the crown attached to the implant may be an option to obtain the most desirable result. Avoid the self-treatment methods on the internet or any remote treatment options since they may not be able to provide you with more than one option, and they may even result in tooth loss. Consult with your experienced dentist to see what your options are, since there are usually many ways to accomplish your goal that you may not be aware of.