Are Dental Implants Considered Orthodontics? Understanding the Key Differences and Overlap

That big question—Are dental implants considered orthodontics?—pops up a lot at the dentist, on the internet, and any place where people want better smiles. Maybe you have a gap in your teeth, maybe they’re slanted, or maybe you’re just curious about the difference between dental implants and braces. If you wonder if dental implants count as braces, you’re not the only one.

Let’s clear it up right now: Dental implants are not orthodontics. But why do people confuse the two? Do they sometimes go together? Can one take the place of the other? Let’s walk through the science, solutions, and the best steps for you or someone you care about.

In This Article

• The Dental Implants vs. Orthodontics Dilemma
• What Are Dental Implants?
• What Is Orthodontics?
• Key Differences: Implants vs. Orthodontics
• When Implants and Orthodontics Work Together
• Who Should Get Implants, Braces, or Both?
• How to Choose the Right Specialist
• Conclusion: Your Next Steps to a Great Smile
• FAQs About Implants and Orthodontics

The Dental Implants vs. Orthodontics Dilemma

Let’s be real. If you’re here, you probably want to know:

• “Can an implant fix my slanted teeth?”
• “Are implants and braces different or do they fix the same thing?”
• “Do I see a braces doctor or an implant doctor?”
• “What about those tiny screws I saw online?”

Great questions! It’s normal to mix them up. Both are part of dental care, sometimes are used together, and words like “implant,” “mini-implant,” “braces,” and “aligners” are tossed around a lot.

Let’s look at what’s really happening.

What Are Dental Implants? (Restorative Dentistry 101)

Implants Explained

Think of a tooth as a house, and the root is its foundation. Lose the tooth, lose the foundation. A dental implant acts as a new, fake root—usually made from strong titanium or sometimes zirconia. The implant goes into your jaw and acts as the “base” for a fake tooth (crown), a bridge, or even a whole set of teeth.

Main Parts:

• Implant Post: The screw put into the jaw
• Abutment: The piece connecting post and fake tooth
• Crown, Bridge, or Denture: The part you see that looks and works like a tooth

Main Purpose

Dental implants replace missing teeth. They help you chew, fill empty spots, and keep your other teeth from moving or the bone from shrinking. Want to eat an apple or show off your smile without gaps? Implants can help.

The Implant Process

You can get an implant for one tooth, several, or all of them.

What Implants DON’T Do

Implants can’t move teeth. After healing, the implant is stuck in the bone. Braces and aligners can’t move them. So implants are a “fix or replace” thing, not a “move or correct” thing.

Who Puts in Implants?

• Oral surgeons
• Periodontists
• Prosthodontists

Sometimes, a regular dentist too if it’s simple.

What Is Orthodontics? (Straightening Teeth and Correcting Bites)

Orthodontics Explained

Orthodontics is all about moving your real teeth into better spots, making the jaws even, and fixing your bite. Think of it as a conductor, making sure all your teeth play together nicely. Orthodontists do this with braces, clear aligners, retainers, or sometimes simple surgeries.

Main Purpose

Orthodontics doesn’t replace teeth. It:

• Straightens bent or out-of-line teeth
• Closes spaces
• Fixes overbites, underbites, and other bite problems
• Helps with chewing, talking, and feeling good about your smile

How Orthodontics Works

Teeth aren’t locked in your jaw—their roots sit in a little pouch (ligament). Braces or aligners push slowly and gently, making the ligament and bone change so teeth can move into better spots. It’s a cool mix of biology and gentle pressure.

Types of Orthodontic Treatments

• Traditional Braces: Metal or ceramic parts and wires
• Clear Aligners: Like Invisalign—see-through trays
• Lingual Braces: Braces on the back of the teeth
• Retainers: Keeps teeth where they are after treatment

Key Point

Orthodontics moves your real teeth, not fake ones or implants.

Who Does Orthodontics?

• Orthodontists—these are dental pros who spend extra time learning how to move teeth well.

Key Differences: Implants vs. Orthodontics

This is where the mix-up ends. Here are the simple differences.

Example

If you’re missing a front tooth, an implant gives you a fake one, but won’t move your other teeth around. If your teeth are close together, braces or aligners will move them, but can’t fill up a spot where a tooth is missing.

Price & Time

• Dental Implants: $3,000–$6,000 for one, usually takes 3–9 months
• Orthodontics: $3,000–$8,000 for full braces/aligners; usually 1.5–3 years of wearing them
• Both: Harder cases may take longer and cost more, but results can be great and last for life

When Implants and Orthodontics Work Together (Combined Treatments)

Today, the best smiles often come from teamwork. Sometimes you need both an implant and braces or aligners for a strong, working, and pretty smile. Here’s how these treatments can work side by side.

Orthodontics BEFORE Implants

You sometimes need to “open up space” before placing an implant. Dentists may suggest braces or aligners first when:

• Need to open space: For a missing tooth that never grew in, nearby teeth might have shifted into the gap. Braces fix this so an implant will fit.
• Teeth need lining up: Implants need enough room and the right angle to look good and work right.
• Bite is off: If your bite is wrong, putting in an implant before fixing the bite could be a problem.

Implants AFTER Orthodontics

Maybe you lose a tooth during braces, or you already had a missing tooth. Once your teeth are straight, you can put an implant in the new spot.

What About Mini-Implants and TADs?

Maybe you heard about “mini-implants” or “TADs” (Temporary Anchorage Devices) used during braces. Here’s what you should know:

• TADs/Mini-implants are NOT the same as dental implants.
• They’re tiny screws put in just to help move teeth; they come out when you’re done with braces.
• They do NOT take the place of teeth.

They’re like little tools—never replacements for a missing tooth.

Teamwork in Dental Care

This means your braces doctor, implant doctor, and sometimes other pros all work together. They use 3D pictures, scans, and planning to make a step-by-step plan just for you. This is the best way, especially for adults who didn’t get braces earlier or have unusual needs.

Who Should Consider Implants, Braces, or Both?

Let’s see where you fit.

You Might Need Dental Implants If:

• You have one or more missing teeth
• You can’t save some teeth (really bad decay, trauma, gum disease)
• You have gaps that are hard for chewing or your looks
• Dentures bother you or slip a lot
• You want a solution that isn’t removable
• Your jaw bone is shrinking

You Might Need Orthodontics If:

• Your teeth are slanted, crowded, or overlapped
• You have gaps, bite problems (over, under, open, cross)
• Jaw pain, headaches, or problems chewing/talking
• You want straighter teeth for looks
• Your own teeth can still move

You Might Need Both If:

• You have missing AND crooked teeth
• Your teeth have been missing a long time and your bite or bone is now off
• Your bite should be fixed before an implant fits well
• You want a perfect, long-lasting result

Tip: In really tough cases, jaw surgery might go with braces and implants for the best result.

Not Sure Yet?

If you’re not sure where you fit, don’t worry. Many adults need more than one kind of treatment. That’s normal.

How to Choose the Right Specialist

Who Does What?

• Orthodontist: Does braces, aligners, and any teeth or jaw straightening
• Implant Dentist/Oral Surgeon/Prosthodontist: Replaces lost teeth with implants, fake teeth, or bridges
• Periodontist: Fixes gums and jawbone—important for implant success
• General Dentist: Checks your mouth, does simple stuff, and sends you to the right specialist

Why Not Just One Dentist?

Some dentists are experts at moving teeth, others at replacing them. Like the difference between a handyman and someone who only does electricity—sometimes a team is better!

What to Expect

• Team check: You might need 3D scans, models, and group meetings with your dental team
• A personal plan: No two mouths are the same, and you should get a plan just for you

How to Get Ready

• Ask your dentist for a referral, or book meetings with both an orthodontist and an implant dentist
• Bring questions and any recent x-rays

Conclusion: Your Next Steps to a Great Smile

Here’s the key take-away:

• Dental implants replace missing teeth. Orthodontics moves your natural teeth into better spots.
• Both are great tools, but they do different jobs.
• Sometimes you need both, but maybe not at the same time.
• Let specialists make you a plan—it makes all the difference.

You don’t have to guess or do it alone. Good dental care teams want to help you learn, plan, and get the smile you want.

Handy Facts

• Implants = Replacing teeth. Braces/Aligners = Moving teeth.
• They fix different things, but sometimes work together for a wow result.
• For movement go to an orthodontist; for replacement see an implant dentist or oral surgeon.
• Ask about a team approach if it’s a tricky case.
• Always get checked out before starting a big dental fix.

Ready for next steps? Book a checkup or get another opinion—not just to fix one tooth, but to understand your whole mouth.

FAQs About Implants and Orthodontics

Can I get braces if I already have a dental implant?

Yes, but there’s a catch. Implants can’t move, so the braces doctor moves your real teeth around the implant. The implant stays put.

Can an implant straighten my teeth?

No. Implants can’t move—only fill empty spots. If your teeth are out of place, you’ll need braces or aligners first, then implants if needed.

What is a mini-implant in orthodontics?

Mini-implants (TADs) are tiny screws put in just to help move stubborn teeth during braces. They don’t replace missing teeth and are taken out when treatment is done.

Which is more expensive, implants or braces?

Prices change a lot, but both cost money. Implants are $3,000–$6,000 or more for each tooth, and braces or aligners for a full set can be $3,000–$8,000. If you need both, it’s more, but the results can last a very long time.

How long does doing both take?

It varies. Braces are usually worn for 18–36 months. Implants (including healing) take about 3–9 months, often after braces. Doing both might take a few years, but your team will try to make it as fast and easy as possible.

Bonus: Quick Reference Chart

Empowered to Act

Remember, your smile is yours. Whether you need an implant, braces, or both, today’s dental help is more friendly and better than ever. Don’t let things stay confusing. Keep asking questions, keep learning, and keep pushing for the mouth you want.

Want to see how dental implants are made or what goes on in a dental lab? Check out what a modern implant dental laboratory does.

Curious about how computers and new materials improve dental care? See how a digital dental lab or a dental ceramics lab can make your replacement teeth more exact and natural looking.

No question is silly. That’s why the dental care team is there! Your healthy, happy smile starts with good info—and the next step is up to you.

Trusted Resources:

• American Dental Association (ADA)
• American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
• American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
• Clinical guidelines and patient information

Stay curious. Stay confident. Smile big!