When you think of braces or Invisalign®, you probably think of teeth. But it’s crucial not to overlook the foundation of a healthy smile – your gums!
Maintaining healthy gums is essential for achieving that stunning new smile you’ve always dreamed of. Does that mean you should check in with a periodontist before starting braces or Invisalign® treatment? Let’s dive in:
The importance of healthy gums with orthodontic treatment
If you’re noticing troubling signs, (like bleeding gums when brushing your teeth or flossing, tender red gums or bad breath), you absolutely should schedule an appointment with our periodontists in Tampa/Carrollwood or New Port Richey/Trinity. When it comes to your oral health, prevention is always easier than treatment!
By catching gum disease or other gum health issues early, before they cause significant (sometimes irreversible) damage, we can prevent further damage to the gums, and create a plan with the least intensive treatment route to help you maintain healthy gums.
Whether you’re considering orthodontic treatment or not, it’s essential that you stay aware of your gums and take action at the first sign of gum disease. In many cases, our patients’ dentists will refer them to us after noticing signs of gum disease, but you can still visit us without a referral.
Is there a link between braces and periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, develops when bacteria builds up in the gums, causing infection, inflammation, bleeding and bad breath. Everyone is susceptible to gum disease, at any age, with or without orthodontic treatment.
Braces don’t cause gum disease. However, braces have brackets and wires that can trap food particles, which makes it especially important that you thoroughly clean your teeth and gums when you have braces. Leftover food particles in your braces and gums can lead to plaque buildup, which can cause gum disease or worsen the disease.
If you already have periodontal disease, and then you add braces into the mix without proper management, this can complicate your treatment and worsen your condition.
Periodontal disease is not just about gum health; it also affects the jaw bone that supports your teeth. As periodontal disease progresses, it can lead to tooth loss and jaw bone density loss.
That’s why it’s crucial to address any periodontal issues as soon as they arise!
Can you get braces with periodontal disease?
Every smile is different, and periodontal disease is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Gingivitis (mild gum disease) can often be managed with proper treatment and maintenance. If you have a mild case of stage 1 gum disease (gingivitis), you may still be able to start braces or Invisalign treatment, as long as you’re following your periodontist’s instructions for treating the disease.
For those with moderate to severe periodontal disease (called periodontitis), it’s essential to address and stabilize the condition before considering orthodontic treatment. This might involve a deep cleaning, like scaling and root planing, or in more severe cases, surgical interventions may be required.
No matter the severity of your condition, one of our highly-experienced doctors at Periodontal Health Center can work with you and your orthodontist to help prepare your gums for your smile transformation.
We assist with periodontal surgery for orthodontics! Surgeries, such as periodontal plastic surgery, can be done in conjunction with braces to create exceptional results. We can also help with tooth extractions to make space in the mouth for patients who have crowding, or to uncover teeth that are impacted in bone.
We’re here to create a personalized treatment plan that helps restore healthy gums, protects your healthy gum tissue from damage, and supports you throughout your orthodontic treatment journey.
Can you get braces with receding gums?
Receding gums is another common concern for those considering braces or Invisalign. Receding gums can expose the roots of your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. If left untreated, this condition can worsen with the added stress of orthodontic appliances.
Before proceeding with braces or Invisalign, a thorough evaluation by one of our experienced periodontists is recommended. Your PHC doctor can advise you on the most efficient gum treatment, whether that’s a gum graft, esthetic crown lengthening, pinhole gum rejuvenation, or another technique.
Schedule an appointment today!
We’re here to help you achieve the best possible results from braces or Invisalign treatment. We’re more than happy to work with your orthodontist to develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions in the meantime! Dr. Jessica Stilley, Dr. Armita Mashkouri and Dr. Camille Medina are your highly-experienced periodontists in Tampa/Carrollwood, and New Port Richey/Trinity. Schedule your appointment today.
