Gum health plays a vital role in orthodontic treatment, especially for adults considering braces. Periodontal disease—a serious gum infection—can complicate treatment decisions. Understanding how to manage this condition before starting braces is key to achieving a healthy smile.
So, can you get braces with periodontal disease? Dr. Boris Pinhasov, a board-certified orthodontist at BP Smiles NY, explains, “We cannot begin orthodontic treatment if a patient has active periodontal disease. The condition must be resolved by a periodontist or general dentist first. Once the disease is no longer active, treatment can proceed.”
Schedule a consultation with BP Smiles to explore different orthodontic treatments. You can also visit our experts at our clinic in Oakland Gardens, Queens, NY.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious infection that affects your gums. It happens when bacteria in your mouth build up over time. This can cause swelling, redness, and bleeding in your gums.
If not treated, the infection can spread to the bone that supports your teeth. This makes teeth loose and can even lead to tooth loss.
The disease starts as gingivitis. Gingivitis is the mild stage where gums might bleed when brushing or flossing. If it gets worse, it becomes periodontitis. Periodontitis is more harmful and damages both the gums and the bone under them.
Why do Braces Require Healthy Gums and Bone Structure?
Braces work by gently moving your teeth into the right position. For this to happen, the teeth need strong support from healthy gums and bones. If the gums or bones are weak, the teeth can become loose during treatment.
Healthy gums are important because they hold your teeth in place. Without healthy gums, braces treatment may lead to complications such as discomfort, ineffective tooth movement, or further damage to already compromised tissues.
The bone under your teeth is also very important. It provides the foundation that braces use to move your teeth. If the bone is weak or damaged, braces may not work well. The teeth might not stay in their new position after treatment.
How Can Orthodontists at BP Smiles NY Help Patients With Periodontal Disease?
The orthodontists at BP Smiles collaborate with periodontists and dentists to ensure patients receive proper care for the periodontal disease before beginning braces treatment. If you have active periodontal disease, they will guide you to get the right treatment.
First, they help you find a periodontist or dentist who can treat the infection. This can include deep cleaning treatments like scaling and root planing. These remove harmful bacteria and plaque from below your gums. Sometimes, medicines or special dental procedures are needed to heal the gums.
After your gums are healthy, the orthodontists at BP Smiles will carefully plan your braces treatment. They check your teeth, gums, and bones to make sure everything is strong enough for braces. During treatment, they also work with your dentist to keep your gums healthy.
How Orthodontists at BP Smiles NY Recommend Patients Maintain Braces After Treatment?
Practice Advanced Cleaning Techniques: We teach you how to clean around bonded retainers with tools like interdental brushes or water flossers for maximum hygiene.
Track Bite Changes: We advise keeping an eye on any bite changes and visiting us immediately if you feel discomfort or notice misalignment.
Adopt Long-Term Wear Habits: Even years after braces, we encourage periodic retainer use, especially at night, to prevent the natural shifting of teeth.
Protect Against Grinding: If you grind your teeth, we recommend a custom night guard to protect your straightened teeth and retainers.
Commit to Post-Braces Exercises: We may recommend gentle jaw or tongue exercises to strengthen muscle alignment and ensure lasting results.
Achieve a Healthy Smile with Braces After Periodontal Disease at BP Smiles
At BP Smiles NY, we work with experienced dentists and periodontists to make sure you have healthy gums before starting braces. We use advanced technology to check your teeth, gums, and bones.
This helps us create a personalized plan just for you. If you have a history of periodontal disease, we adjust your braces treatment to protect your gums and teeth.
Our team also helps you maintain gum health throughout the entire process. Whether you are considering braces, need a thorough gum health evaluation, or are looking for expert advice, the team at BP Smiles NY is here to help. You can visit us in Oakland Gardens or Flushing in Queens, NY!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What tools help clean braces if you have sensitive gums?
Use a soft toothbrush, interdental brushes, and a water flosser to clean gently and effectively.
Q: Do orthodontists check for periodontal disease before braces?
Yes, they check your gums and bones carefully to make sure you are healthy enough for treatment.
Q: What is the role of a periodontist in braces treatment?
A periodontist treats gum disease and works with your orthodontist to make sure your gums stay healthy during braces.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your physician for any medical concerns or before starting any treatment. Do not ignore professional medical advice due to the information read here. The authors are not responsible for any outcomes from the use of this information.
