Dental Implants vs Orthodontics UK — Replacing vs Moving Teeth

They solve different problems. If you have a missing tooth, an implant replaces it. If your teeth are misaligned, orthodontics moves them. In some cases — where a gap exists from a missing tooth — you can choose between closing the gap orthodontically or keeping the space for an implant. Your orthodontist and dentist should assess which is better for your bite, aesthetics, and long-term dental health, as both options have different clinical implications.

Often yes. Adjacent teeth frequently lean into an extraction space over time and must be uprighted before the implant is placed. The space also needs to be the correct width for the implant crown. Placing an implant before orthodontics locks the implant in position — it cannot then be moved if teeth need adjusting around it. This makes pre-implant orthodontic assessment extremely important, particularly when teeth have been missing for some time.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, implants can last a lifetime. Clinical studies typically report survival rates above 90 to 95 percent at 10 years. Individual longevity depends on bone quality, oral hygiene, smoking, and systemic health. The crown on top may need replacing after 15 to 20 years due to normal wear. Annual dental check-ups and professional implant maintenance are important for long-term success.

A child's jaws are still growing. An implant placed in a growing jaw becomes anchored in bone and does not move with growth — it ends up in the wrong position as the surrounding bone develops. The implant will also appear progressively submerged as adjacent teeth continue to erupt. Orthodontists manage space for eventual implants in young patients but defer placement until growth is complete, usually in the late teens.

Yes — this is the standard sequence for patients who need both. If braces were used to open or maintain a space for an implant, the implant is placed after orthodontic treatment is complete and a retainer is in place to hold the space. Your orthodontist and implant dentist should plan the timing together, and the retainer often incorporates a temporary prosthetic tooth in the gap while you wait for the implant to be placed.

NHS orthodontic treatment in under-18s is based on clinical need as measured by the IOTN. Missing teeth with restorative implications can contribute to a higher IOTN score. However, NHS orthodontics primarily to create implant space as a restorative objective is generally considered outside NHS scope. The implant itself is not available on the NHS for routine tooth replacement. Discuss your specific circumstances with your orthodontist and general dental practitioner to understand what is and is not funded.