One considerable benefit of wearing braces is making crooked or crowded teeth easier to care for. When misaligned teeth are gently nudged into their ideal position, the gums fit more securely around the base of the teeth, flossing is more effective, and the risk of developing gum disease is significantly reduced. But there is a relationship between periodontics and braces.

Just as orthodontic treatment plays a significant role in gum health, gum health is an important factor to consider before getting braces. Since alignment issues can increase susceptibility to gingivitis and periodontal disease, your orthodontist may recommend visiting a periodontal specialist for an evaluation before beginning treatment with braces. Periodontal disease can interfere with the success of orthodontic treatment.

Why Healthy Gums are Essential for the Success of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners applies gentle pressure to teeth, encourages teeth to shift into a more desirable position, and alters the shape of the jaw slightly to accommodate positional changes. Accommodating these changes in the mouth requires a healthy support structure, a support structure that can be compromised by gum disease. The early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) can cause sensitivity, inflammation, and bleeding gums. More advanced stages (periodontitis) can damage the ligaments and bone that keep teeth in place. If the support system that holds teeth in position is unhealthy, wearing braces can do more harm than good. Thus, periodontics and braces are to be considered side by side.

Does Having Gum Disease Mean Braces Are Not an Option? 

Many parents are surprised to learn their children have gum disease, but it happens more often than most people realize. More than half of all teens and a significant number of children have some degree of periodontal disease. Teenagers are particularly susceptible because of hormonal changes during puberty, starchy foods, and lack of sleep. Depending on the severity, your orthodontist may recommend visiting a periodontist before proceeding with braces. Most often, braces are still an option once gum disease is treated and stable.

How is Periodontal Disease Treated? 

In its earliest stages, gum disease can often be reversed with conscientious brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. Moderate to severe cases may require additional intervention. Depending on the severity, your periodontist may recommend antibiotics, scaling, root planing, or pocket reduction before orthodontic treatment can proceed. If gums are severely receded, your periodontist may also recommend gum grafting before or after orthodontic treatment to build stronger tissue and prevent further gum recession.

Can Wearing Braces Contribute to Gum Disease? 

Although having straight teeth can reduce the risk of developing gum disease in the future, it’s not uncommon for periodontal disease to develop while wearing braces. The pressure on teeth necessary for realignment creates stress on the bone. The stress on the bone can cause inflammation, and that inflammation can cause gums to recede. Plus, plaque and bacteria can accumulate on brackets and wires. Teens tend to develop gingivitis during orthodontic treatment more often than adults.

Most often, mild gingivitis in a healthy, plaque-free mouth will resolve on its own once braces are removed. To reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease during orthodontic treatment, your dental team may recommend using a motorized toothbrush, a brush designed to clean around braces, or a water-powered flossing unit to clean between teeth.

Gum health is as essential to the success of braces as straight teeth are to gum health. If persistent gum disease develops while wearing braces, the appliances may need to be removed temporarily until the condition has stabilized. Although treating gum disease may require temporarily postponing braces until gums are healthy, your orthodontist and periodontist will work together to ensure favorable results, straight teeth and an attractive smile that’s easier to care for.

If you’re concerned about your gum health interfering with getting braces, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dougherty Orthodontics. We’ll discuss periodontics and braces as well as the options we can take and what will work best for you. We look forward to seeing you!