My new implant bridge replaced two upper left teeth. When I bite on that side of my mouth, the teeth on the right do not align. I did not have the issue before I got the bridge. She tried to correct my bite twice, and after that, she suggested that I need orthodontics. And she said that she does Invisalign, and we can talk about it during my next appointment. I feel like my dentist is trying to sell me something that I do not need. I am not sure what to do about it. How should I answer my dentist? Thank you. Nabila
Nabila,
Thank you for your inquiry. With or without a dental bridge, your upper and lower teeth should touch at the same time when you bite down. If the problem continues, you can develop TMJ disorder, including jaw pain, headaches, and ear aches.
What Causes Bite Misalignment with a New Implant Bridge?
When your bite is off with a new implant bridge, two possible causes are:
- A dentist restored the implants incorrectly
- The implant dentist or surgeon placed the implants in the wrong place
Dental implants restored incorrectly
If an implant bridge is disrupting your bite, Invisalign is not the solution
A dentist must correct attach implant crowns, a bridge, or a denture to implants. And the dentist must ensure the new replacement teeth are in harmony with your bite.
Dental implants in the wrong place
If a dentist and oral surgeon do not closely communicate, the surgeon may position the implants in a way that makes it challenging or impossible to position your bridge correctly. This problem occurs if the dentist does not give the oral surgeon a surgical guide for your mouth. A surgical guide is a template for the exact angle and position of your implants.
Schedule a Second Opinion Appointment
Please do not consider orthodontic treatment. Although your dentist may want you to get Invisalign, it does not seem that orthodontic treatment is the solution to your issue. We recommend that you get a second opinion from an implant dentist with advanced training or who partners with an oral surgeon to place dental implants. The implant dentist will determine if the location of your implants, your bridge—or both—must be corrected to fix your bite.
Best wishes for a speedy resolution.
Rekha Reddy, DDS of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.
