Not every adult who comes to see me wants orthodontics in isolation. Often, straightening the teeth is the first step in a bigger plan — one that might also involve veneers, crowns, a bridge or an implant from their dentist. Getting the teeth into the right positions first makes everything that follows work better and last longer. Here’s how that kind of joined-up treatment works, and why teamwork is at the heart of it.
Why orthodontics often comes first
When you’re planning more extensive dental work, position matters enormously. Veneers, crowns and implants all look better and last longer when the teeth they involve — and the teeth around them — are properly aligned and the bite is sound. Trying to mask a poorly positioned tooth with a veneer, or place an implant where there isn’t quite enough room, leads to compromise. Move the teeth into the right place first, and your dentist can then do their part on solid foundations.
Common scenarios
A few situations come up again and again:
- Missing teeth, where we create or close space to set up an ideal position for an implant or bridge.
- Worn or unusually shaped teeth, where aligning them first lets the dentist restore them beautifully.
- Creating precise space so that a restoration fits and functions exactly as it should.
In each case the orthodontics isn’t the whole job — it’s the groundwork that makes the final result possible.
How we work with your dentist
This is where collaboration becomes everything. When a case involves restorative work, we stay in close contact with your dentist throughout. We’ll typically write to them to agree the plan, move your teeth to the agreed position, and then arrange a check visit before the braces come off — essentially asking, “are you happy you can do your part now?” Only once your dentist confirms the teeth are exactly where they need them do we finish up. It means there are no surprises and no gaps between the two stages of your care.
When orthodontics has to wait
Sometimes the right thing is to pause. If a patient has gum disease, we can’t begin moving teeth until it’s under control — moving teeth through unhealthy gums isn’t safe. In that situation we’ll write to your dentist, ask them to address it first, and see you for the orthodontics once your gums are healthy. It’s not a delay for its own sake; it’s making sure the foundations are right before we build on them.
A two-way street
What makes this work is that orthodontists are used to working as part of a team. Unlike a dentist working alone in practice, much of our world — especially in the hospital service — involves collaborating with colleagues: with surgeons for jaw cases, and with dentists for restorative ones. We’re very comfortable referring in both directions and coordinating care, because we know the best results for complex cases come from people working together rather than in isolation.
What this means for your result
The pay-off of this joined-up approach is a result that’s better in every dimension: teeth in the right positions, a healthy bite, and restorations that fit, function and last. You get the benefit of a specialist orthodontist and your dentist each doing what they do best, in the right order, towards a shared plan for your smile.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need braces before veneers? Not always — but if your teeth are poorly positioned, aligning them first usually gives a far better, longer-lasting veneer result than masking the problem. We’ll assess this honestly and coordinate with your dentist.
Will my dentist and orthodontist actually talk to each other? Yes — that’s central to how we work. We write to one another, agree the plan, and hold a check visit before braces come off to make sure your dentist is happy to proceed with their part.
What if I have gum disease? We’ll ask your dentist to treat it before orthodontics begins, then start once your gums are healthy. It keeps your treatment safe and your results lasting.
Book a consultation
If straightening your teeth is part of a bigger plan for your smile, a consultant-led assessment will set the whole thing up properly. Book a consultation with our team at No 1 Orthodontics in Derby and we’ll work alongside your dentist to get the best result.
