Will Invisalign damage a root canal incisor tooth? I will start Invisalign treatment in late November, but my dentist says my right incisor needs a root canal first. He said he could fill the tooth and keep it intact without using a crown. Still, I am concerned that if the tooth is weak, moving it with Invisalign might break it. I do not want to end up requiring extraction and dental implant. – Thanks. Rod from Tampa

 

Rod,

Thank you for your question. Although Dr. LeSage would need to examine your tooth, we will provide general information on Invisalign and root canal teeth.

Will Invisalign Damage a Root Canal Tooth?

Invisalign will not damage or irritate a healed, stable root canal tooth. Your dentist will watch the tooth for a month or two to ensure it is stable enough for the gentle forces of tooth movement that Invisalign provides.

Does Root Canal Treatment Weaken Teeth?

Decay, trauma, or extensive fillings can weaken a tooth, and preparing it for root canal treatment can further weaken it. Sometimes, a dentist will protect the tooth with a crown, but with smaller teeth, such as incisors, a filling is best. Crown preparation requires shaving all sides of a tooth to ensure the crown fits over it. The tooth position can affect whether a dentist uses a crown or a filling after root canal treatment.

• Front teeth – Preparing an incisor for a dental crown after root canal treatment can further weaken it. A dentist may use a flexible post to reinforce the tooth before removing the root canal filler material and filling it with a dental composite.
• Back teeth – The forces of chewing and grinding food put pressure on back teeth. If the tooth is already weak, a dentist may protect it with a crown after

If you do not fully understand the condition of your right incisor and how Invisalign will affect the tooth, ask your dentist for further explanation. Also, if you need reassurance about the health of your right incisor, you can request a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

 

Beverly Hills accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post.