Introduction: a common question in complex dental plans

Patients often ask: Should we place dental implants first, or start orthodontics first?

Dr. Talal Al Haffar — Specialist in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Implants at Joele Clinics — gives a clear answer: in most cases, orthodontics comes first, then implants and final restorations once final tooth positions are known.

Video: Dr. Talal Al Haffar on the correct sequence

Source: short video on orthodontics vs implants sequence with Dr. Talal Al Haffar — Joele Clinics.

• Orthodontics moves teeth and changes spaces.
• We need the correct final site for the implant.
• Early implants placed before ortho finishes may later need removal — a poor plan.
• Safer sequence: ortho → implants → final prosthesis.

Why implants do not move with braces

Natural teeth can be moved because of the periodontal ligament. An implant integrates directly with bone and does not move the same way. If you implant too early, neighboring tooth movement can leave the implant in the wrong space, angulation, or bite relationship.

What orthodontics achieves before implants

• Opens or organizes the proper implant space.
• Corrects tipping/rotation that distorts the edentulous site.
• Improves occlusion so the future implant is not overloaded.
• Sometimes avoids an unnecessary implant if space closure is appropriate.

A clinical lesson: implants before unfinished ortho

Dr. Talal describes a case where implants were placed before orthodontics was completed. The team later had to remove them, finish orthodontics, then implant again. That path costs time, comfort, and money—and is avoidable with correct sequencing from day one.

Are there exceptions?

• No ortho needed and space/occlusion already ideal.
• Rare staged protocols decided by a coordinated specialist team.
• Temporary solutions while orthodontics continues.

Still, the common clinical rule remains: orthodontics first, then implants and restoration.

How Joele Clinics builds the plan

1. Full assessment of teeth, bone, bite, and spaces.
2. Decide whether orthodontics is required.
3. Complete ortho movement/stabilization when needed.
4. Plan implants in the final positions.
5. Place implants, then deliver the final restoration.

Key takeaways

If you need implants and also have crowding, tipping, or unstable spaces: discuss orthodontics first. Implants are fixed; teeth move. Watch Dr. Talal’s video above and book an assessment at Joele Clinics for a clear sequenced plan.