Medically reviewed by Dr. Boris Pinhasov, DDS, American Board of Orthodontics Diplomate | 20+ Years Experience | Last Updated: March 2026
Yes, you can get braces with periodontal disease, but only after the gum disease is treated and stable. Active periodontal infection must be controlled by your dentist or periodontist before orthodontic treatment begins. Once your gums are healthy, braces or Invisalign can move teeth safely. With expert insight from Dr. Boris Pinhasov, Board-Certified Orthodontist and ABO Diplomate at BP Smiles Orthodontics in Queens, NY, here is what you need to know about treatment timing, gum health requirements, and Invisalign as an alternative.
Gum health plays a vital role in orthodontic treatment, especially for adults considering braces. Periodontal disease, a serious gum infection. It 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 Once the disease is no longer active, treatment can proceed.”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.
Patients with periodontal disease often have other dental work in progress. Crowns and braces have their own coordination requirements, and root canals during braces treatment are also common, all of which can be planned alongside periodontal care.
Can You Get Braces With Gum Disease or Gingivitis?
Gum disease comes in two stages with different orthodontic implications:
- Gingivitis (early gum disease): reversible inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. Most patients can start braces 4 to 6 weeks after a professional cleaning and improved daily hygiene clears the gingivitis.
- Periodontitis (advanced gum disease): bone and ligament loss around the tooth roots. Requires periodontal treatment (deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, sometimes surgery) before braces. The waiting period after treatment is typically 3 to 6 months to confirm gum stability.
Your orthodontist coordinates with your periodontist to confirm gum health is stable before any brackets go on. Skipping this step risks accelerating bone loss during orthodontic treatment.
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 Long Should You Wait After Periodontal Treatment to Get Braces?
- After a routine cleaning: 1 to 2 weeks for any gum tenderness to subside.
- After scaling and root planing (deep cleaning): 4 to 8 weeks to allow gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth roots.
- After periodontal surgery (gum graft, flap surgery): 3 to 6 months for full healing and bone stabilization.
- After bone grafting: 4 to 9 months to allow the new bone to integrate before applying orthodontic forces.
These timelines are guidelines. Your periodontist confirms healing with re-examination and X-rays before clearing you for braces. Invisalign in Queens can sometimes start sooner than braces because the aligners apply gentler, more even pressure across the entire arch.
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.
Get Braces or Invisalign After Periodontal Treatment in Queens, NY
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
Can you get braces with periodontal disease?
Yes, but only after the periodontal disease is treated and stable. Active gum disease must be controlled by a dentist or periodontist before orthodontic treatment begins. Once gum health is restored and confirmed stable, braces or Invisalign can move teeth safely.
Can you get braces with gingivitis?
Yes, after gingivitis is treated. Gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) is reversible with improved oral hygiene and a professional cleaning. Most patients can start braces 4 to 6 weeks after the cleaning, once gum inflammation has resolved.
How long should you wait to get braces after a deep cleaning?
4 to 8 weeks. After scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning), the gum tissue needs time to heal and reattach to the tooth roots. Your periodontist confirms healing before clearing you for braces.
Is Invisalign better than braces for patients with gum disease?
For patients with controlled periodontal disease, yes, often. Invisalign aligners are removable for thorough brushing and flossing, which is critical for maintaining gum health during treatment. Braces with brackets and wires make oral hygiene more difficult and can trap plaque against tooth surfaces.
Where can I get braces evaluated with gum disease in Queens, NY?
BP Smiles Orthodontics in Queens, NY coordinates with periodontists to evaluate patients with gum disease for braces or Invisalign. Dr. Boris Pinhasov is a Board-Certified Orthodontist, ABO Diplomate, and Program Director of Orthodontics at Maimonides Medical Center, with 20+ years of experience. Call 718-290-9444 or schedule your Queens, NY consult.
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
Medically reviewed by Dr. Boris Pinhasov, Board-Certified Orthodontist.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
