Dental implants and orthodontic treatment are often confused because both procedures involve dental specialists and restructuring the mouth. However, they serve fundamentally different purposes and rely on opposing biological principles. Understanding this distinction clarifies why a dental implant is not considered an orthodontic treatment. Both procedures may be part of a larger, coordinated plan to achieve a healthy and properly aligned bite.
Defining Orthodontics and Its Goals
Orthodontics is the specialized field of dentistry dedicated to diagnosing and treating dental and facial irregularities, known as malocclusions. The core goal is to correct a patient’s bite by aligning the teeth and jaws to improve function and appearance. This is accomplished through the controlled application of force over time, causing the biological movement of teeth through the bone. Tools like braces, aligners, and retainers facilitate this gradual repositioning of natural teeth within the alveolar bone. Successful treatment results in a healthy occlusion, which distributes chewing forces evenly and reduces the risk of long-term dental issues.
Defining Dental Implants and Their Purpose
A dental implant is a prosthetic device designed to replace a missing tooth root. It is a small, threaded post, typically made of biocompatible titanium or zirconia, that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The implant provides a stable, permanent foundation for an artificial tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. The underlying biological principle is osseointegration, where the jawbone fuses directly with the implant surface, locking it firmly into place. This fusion ensures the implant is stable, allowing it to function much like a natural tooth, and crucially, prevents movement.
The Core Distinction Between Specialties
Dental implants are not considered orthodontics because they fall under separate specialties, such as Prosthodontics, Periodontics, or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. These specialties focus on the surgical placement and prosthetic restoration of missing structures. The fundamental difference is the device’s objective: an orthodontic appliance is designed for movement, while a dental implant is designed for immobility and replacement. Once osseointegration occurs, the implant becomes a fixed anchor in the bone and cannot be moved by orthodontic forces. This immobility means the implant cannot participate in the biological process that defines orthodontics.
Collaborative Treatment Planning
Despite their distinct functions, dental implants and orthodontic treatment frequently interact within a comprehensive treatment plan, explaining the common misunderstanding. Orthodontic pre-treatment is often required to properly position existing natural teeth and create adequate space for a future implant. If a tooth has been missing, surrounding teeth may drift, requiring the orthodontist to realign them before the implant surgeon places the artificial root. This sequential approach ensures the final prosthetic tooth is correctly aligned with the rest of the bite.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
Another point of intersection involves Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs), which are small titanium mini-screws. An orthodontist places a TAD into the bone temporarily to act as a stable, non-moving anchor point from which to push or pull specific teeth. TADs are a tool for generating precise tooth movements that would be difficult to achieve otherwise. The device is removed once the desired movement is complete and is never intended to support a permanent replacement tooth.