Can I Get Braces If I Have Gum Disease?

Orthodontic treatment has countless benefits for creating a beautiful smile. However, not everyone is qualified for braces. If you want to straighten misaligned teeth, it is important to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy first. Severe gum disease and tooth loss can make orthodontics challenging or even impossible in some circumstances.

At MINT orthodontics, we help individuals transform their smiles through traditional dental braces and Invisalign®. If you have questions about if teeth straightening treatment is right for you, contact us for a smile consultation in Dallas or Fort Worth, TX. Our professionals can ensure you have healthy gums before you get braces.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums. It is usually caused by a lack of good oral hygiene habits. By not brushing or flossing daily, you increase your risk of plaque buildup, causing your gums to become red and swollen. An experienced dentist should catch the beginning stages of gum disease, especially when you visit them on a regular basis. Most professionals recommend visiting your dentist every six months, while others suggest annual appointments.

About braces and gum disease

There is an important relationship between teeth alignment and gum health. Crowding and other issues can make it challenging to clean your teeth properly. This is what leads to bacteria overgrowth and plaque buildup. Orthodontic treatment and teeth straightening options, like Invisalign, can improve your long-term oral health.

However, getting dental braces with an active gum infection can put your teeth at risk. Braces shift your teeth by applying continuous pressure over time. If your gums are infected or inflamed at any point during this process, it could compromise your results.

Before deciding to get braces, check with your dentist to make sure your mouth is healthy enough to undergo treatment. MINT orthodontics can evaluate the state of your teeth and gums while checking for signs of infection in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX. Based on the outcome of this initial exam, we can make recommendations moving forward.

Taking care of your teeth with braces

Good oral hygiene does not stop once you get braces. Careful cleaning is required because bacteria are easily trapped inside and around the brackets. Here are some tips on how to prevent gum disease during orthodontic treatment:

• Learn how to clean around your dental braces. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle around the wires and brackets. Take your time to make sure that all plaque and debris are removed.

• Clean each tooth individually. Apply gentle pressure to each tooth as you move in a circular motion. Use the same brushing action on all tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed.

• Floss once a day. Have your dentist show you the best way to floss around braces. Many of our patients use flossing products designed for orthodontic treatment.

• Rinse your teeth. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water, then examine your teeth and gums in the mirror to make sure there is no bleeding or other issues.

Orthodontic treatment in Dallas and Fort Worth

If your teeth are misaligned, braces can improve the overall health and appearance of your smile. But gum disease can make orthodontic treatment unsafe. Your best option is to learn about your options at MINT orthodontics in Dallas or Fort Worth, TX. We can perform an assessment, answer your questions about good oral hygiene, and get the teeth straightening process started today.