Content reviewed by Dr. Bridget Bushon-Miller, board certified orthodontist at Sterling Orthodontics in Sterling Heights, MI, who plans every Invisalign case in this article herself.
Yes, you can usually get Invisalign if you have a dental crown. A crown does not disqualify you from clear aligner treatment, because Invisalign moves teeth by their roots, and a crowned tooth still has a healthy root that responds to gentle pressure. Dr. Bridget Bushon-Miller treats plenty of Sterling Heights patients who already have one or more crowns, and the aligners fit over crowned teeth the same way they fit over natural ones. What matters is the health of the tooth underneath, where the crown sits, and whether that tooth needs an attachment. This page walks through how it works, when a crown changes the plan, and what to expect from start to finish.
Key takeaways
- A dental crown rarely stops you from getting Invisalign, since aligners move the whole tooth by its root rather than gripping the surface.
- Invisalign attachments (small tooth colored bumps) can be placed on most crowns, though very smooth porcelain sometimes needs an alternate plan.
- If a crown is old, loose, or failing, Dr. Bushon-Miller may recommend addressing it before or after treatment so it does not interfere with movement.
- Sometimes it is smarter to finish Invisalign first, then place a new crown once your teeth sit in their final position.
- Ready to find out where you stand? Request a free consultation or call Sterling Orthodontics at 586-301-7936.
Can you get Invisalign if you have a dental crown?
For most patients, the answer is yes. Invisalign works by applying steady, controlled pressure through a series of clear aligners, and that pressure travels through the root of the tooth, not just the visible top. A crown is a cap that covers a tooth to restore its shape and strength, as the ADA’s MouthHealthy describes, but underneath it the natural root stays in your jawbone. When the aligner pushes, the whole tooth moves, crown and all.
That means a single crown, or even several, usually fits neatly into a treatment plan. Dr. Bushon-Miller sees this often at our Sterling Heights office. The questions she actually weighs are practical ones: how healthy is the tooth under the crown, how long has the crown been in place, and does that specific tooth need an attachment to move the way the plan calls for.
How does Invisalign work around a crown?
Invisalign treatment follows the same path whether or not you have crowns. As Invisalign explains, the process starts with a 3D digital scan of your teeth, then a custom set of aligners that you swap roughly every one to two weeks. Each set nudges your teeth a little closer to their planned position.
The one variable a crown introduces is the attachment. Attachments are small tooth colored bumps of dental composite that Dr. Bushon-Miller bonds to certain teeth so the aligner has something to grip for trickier movements like rotations. On natural enamel, attachments bond easily. On a crown, it depends on the material and the surface, which is where a careful plan matters.
Here is how common crown situations tend to play out:
Crown scenario | What it usually means for Invisalign |
|---|---|
One or more crowns, all healthy | Treatment proceeds normally; aligners fit over the crowns like any tooth |
A crown that needs an attachment | Attachment can bond to most crowns; very glossy porcelain may need light surface prep or a revised plan |
An old, loose, or failing crown | Dr. Bushon-Miller may suggest repairing or replacing it before or after aligner treatment |
Crown planned for the future | Often best to finish Invisalign first, then crown the tooth in its final position |
The takeaway is simple: a crown changes the details of the plan, not whether you qualify.
Will Invisalign attachments stick to a crown?
Most of the time, yes. Composite attachments bond to porcelain, ceramic, and metal crowns, though the bond is not always as strong as it is on natural enamel. Highly polished porcelain is the most slippery surface, so Dr. Bushon-Miller may lightly roughen a small spot to help the attachment hold, or she may design the plan so the crowned tooth does not need an attachment at all. Because she maps every case with an iTero digital scan and a Smile Simulator before treatment starts, these decisions get made up front rather than mid treatment.
Can you get a new crown during or after Invisalign?
This is one of the most useful things to plan for. If you know a tooth will need a crown soon, it is often smarter to wait until Invisalign finishes. Your teeth are moving throughout treatment, so a crown made today may not sit perfectly once everything settles into place. By crowning the tooth after your teeth reach their final position, your dentist can shape and match the restoration to a stable bite.
If you already have a crown and it is in good shape, there is no need to replace it just to start Invisalign. Dr. Bushon-Miller coordinates timing with your general dentist so the orthodontic and restorative work support each other instead of colliding.
Are you a good candidate for Invisalign with a crown?
Most teens and adults with healthy teeth and gums are candidates, crown or no crown. The best results come from patients whose crowns are stable and whose gums are free of active disease. If you have gum inflammation, decay under a crown, or a crown that is already loose, those issues typically get handled first so your teeth move on a healthy foundation. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that a hands-on evaluation is the only reliable way to confirm which treatment fits your mouth, which is exactly why every Invisalign plan at our practice starts with a full exam rather than a guess.
What does treatment look like, step by step?
Here is what a typical Invisalign course looks like at Sterling Orthodontics when a crown is part of the picture:
- Free consultation and digital scan. Dr. Bushon-Miller reviews your smile and any crowns you have, then captures a 3D iTero scan. No messy impressions.
- Custom treatment plan. Using the scan, she maps how each tooth needs to move, flags any crown that needs an attachment, and coordinates timing with your dentist if a crown needs attention.
- Attachments and first aligners. If your plan calls for attachments, she places them, then fits your first set of aligners. You wear them 20 to 22 hours a day.
- Progress visits. Every 6 to 10 weeks you come in so Dr. Bushon-Miller can check movement, hand off new aligners, and confirm your crowned teeth are tracking as planned.
- Retainers to hold your results. Once your teeth reach their final position, a custom retainer keeps them there, and any planned new crown can be made to fit that finished bite.
How much does Invisalign cost in Sterling Heights, MI?
Invisalign generally runs about $3,000 to $7,000, according to Healthline’s cost breakdown. Having a crown does not automatically raise that number. Your exact price depends on how complex your case is and how long treatment takes, so Dr. Bushon-Miller gives you a firm figure at your consultation rather than a phone quote. Sterling Orthodontics offers flexible financing and will help you check your insurance benefits before you commit to anything. For a closer look at how the timeline affects your investment, see our guide on how long Invisalign takes, and read more about the treatment itself on our Invisalign page. If clear aligners are not the right fit for your bite, we also offer braces. Have questions right now? Call our Sterling Heights team at 586-301-7936.
Why choose Sterling Orthodontics for Invisalign in Sterling Heights?
Dr. Bridget Bushon-Miller, known to patients as Dr. B, has been a board certified orthodontist since 2007. She earned her DDS and a Master of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Detroit Mercy, and she was born and raised in this community. Every Invisalign plan starts with advanced digital tools, an iTero scanner, 3D imaging, and a Smile Simulator, so you can see where your treatment is headed before it begins. Patients consistently describe the office as clean, modern, and welcoming, and they mention how carefully the team explains each step. You can read more about Dr. Bushon-Miller’s background here.
Office and contact:
- Address: 5555 Metro Parkway, Ste. 200, Sterling Heights, MI 48310
- New patients: 586-301-7936
- Current patients: 586-268-2700
- Book online: sterlingortho.com/consultation
We welcome patients from Sterling Heights, Warren, Clinton Township, and Troy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get Invisalign if you have a crown?
Yes, in most cases. Invisalign moves teeth by their roots, so a crowned tooth shifts along with everything else as long as the tooth and gums underneath are healthy.
Do Invisalign attachments stick to crowns?
Usually. Composite attachments bond to porcelain, ceramic, and metal crowns. Very glossy porcelain may need a lightly prepared surface, or Dr. Bushon-Miller may plan the case so that crown does not need an attachment.
Should I replace an old crown before Invisalign?
Only if it is loose, failing, or decayed underneath. A stable, healthy crown can stay right where it is while you go through treatment.
Can I get a new crown during Invisalign?
It is often better to wait. Because your teeth are still moving, a crown made after treatment can be shaped to match your final bite, so it fits and looks its best.
Will Invisalign damage my crown?
No. The aligners apply gentle pressure and slip over the crown without harming it. Attachments are removed cleanly at the end of treatment.
Does a crown make Invisalign cost more?
Not by itself. Cost is driven by case complexity and treatment length, not by whether you have a crown. Dr. Bushon-Miller sets your exact price at the consultation.
Can I get Invisalign with multiple crowns?
Yes. Several crowns are common and usually fit into the plan without a problem. Each one is checked during the digital scan.
What if my crown comes loose during treatment?
Call the office. Dr. Bushon-Miller will coordinate with your dentist to secure or replace it, then continue your aligner plan.
Is Invisalign or braces better if I have crowns?
Both can work with crowns. Invisalign is discreet and removable, while braces may be recommended for more complex bites. Dr. Bushon-Miller helps you compare based on your teeth.
How do I find out if I qualify?
Book a free consultation. A quick exam and 3D scan tell Dr. Bushon-Miller exactly how your crowns and teeth will respond.
Ready to talk to a Sterling Heights orthodontist about Invisalign?
If you have a crown and you have been wondering whether clear aligners are still an option, the fastest way to know for sure is a consultation with Dr. Bridget Bushon-Miller. Bring your questions about your crowns, cost, and timeline, and we will walk you through a plan built around your mouth. Request your free consultation or call Sterling Orthodontics in Sterling Heights at 586-301-7936.