Do you have misaligned teeth but are worried that having gum disease may mean that Invisalign isn’t an option for you? Fortunately, you can still get Invisalign even if you have gum disease. Working with an experienced dentist is important to ensure your treatment is tailored to the health of your gums and natural teeth. Read on as we explain the benefits of Invisalign and how to get this orthodontic treatment to straighten crooked teeth while dealing with gum disease.
Summary of the Article
- Healthy gums are important when getting Invisalign aligners because they support teeth.
- Patients with periodontal disease may still use Invisalign aligners, depending on the stage of gum disease.
- It is important to get all stages of gum disease under control or reduce the spread of active gum disease during Invisalign treatment. This is to optimise the results of this orthodontic treatment.
- When gum diseases are left untreated, they may eventually lead to bone and tooth loss and Invisalign treatment failure.
The Importance of Gum Health in Invisalign Outcome
Keeping gums healthy is a key component when it comes to the success of Invisalign. Periodontal health is the foundation that holds teeth. If this is already weak, orthodontic treatment involving the movement of teeth can be highly unpredictable.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, is an all-too-common problem many people face.
The common causes of gum disease include:
Plaque buildup
Gum disease is caused by plaque. This is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums when food, saliva, and bacteria combine. When plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar. This can only be removed by a dental professional. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that cause inflammation in the gums, known as gingivitis. If left untreated, the inflammation can progress to periodontitis. This damages the bone and ligaments that support the teeth and leads to tooth loss.Smoking and chewing tobacco
Smoking can cause gum disease by weakening the immune system and reducing blood flow to the gums. This makes it harder for the body to fight off bacterial infections and repair damaged tissues. Smokers may have deeper pockets between their teeth and gums, making it harder to remove plaque and bacteria.Medicines
Certain medications can cause gum disease by making the gums swollen, red, and prone to bleeding. Medicines can also reduce saliva flow, which helps protect teeth from decay. Some medications can also cause an overgrowth of gum tissue, making it difficult to clean teeth and gums properly.Nutritional deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies weaken the immune system and make it harder to fight off bacterial infections in the mouth. For example, a lack of vitamin C or D can cause gum inflammation and affect the health of the teeth and gums. A diet high in sugar and low in nutrients can also increase the risk of gum disease by promoting bacterial growth. Eating a balanced diet can help provide the body with the nutrients it needs to maintain good oral and overall health.Crooked teeth
Crooked teeth can increase the risk of gum disease by creating spaces that are hard to clean with regular brushing and flossing. This can lead to plaque and bacteria buildup in areas that are difficult to reach. Misaligned teeth can also cause uneven pressure on the gums and jaw bones that support the teeth, leading to inflammation and gum disease.Hormonal shifts for females
Hormonal changes in females can make the gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation, leading to gum disease. For example, pregnancy can cause gingivitis, where the gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is a common dental problem. Knowing the signs of gum disease can help you detect it early on. Gum disease has many signs, such as the following:
- Bad breath
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Gum recession
How Does Gum Disease Cause Bone Loss?
Gum disease can cause devastating damage to the teeth and gums, destroying soft and hard tissue if left untreated. Bone loss is one of the most common dental problems caused by gum disease.
Periodontal diseases create pockets between the teeth and gums where harmful bacteria can thrive. This damages the gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth. As the bone loss progresses, the teeth can become loose and may fall out. In severe cases, the jawbone can become too damaged to support dental implants or other treatments.
Can I Get Invisalign if I Suffer From Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissue surrounding and supporting your teeth. Fortunately, Invisalign is still an option for those with gum disease.
Your dentist will assess the severity of gum disease and the state of your jawbone. Depending on the evaluation of your dental provider, Invisalign may be used to straighten your teeth. In some cases, your dentist may prefer to keep your gum disease under control first to make the orthodontic treatment possible.
What Happens If Gum Disease is Left Untreated During Invisalign Treatment?
Managing periodontitis is essential for your health and well-being. Periodontitis, commonly called gum disease, is a serious dental infection that can cause severe damage to soft tissue and even lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It can also cause discomfort while wearing the aligners because of swollen gums.
Getting Rid of Gum Disease
Taking care of your gums is an important part of overall oral health. You can get rid of gum disease by doing the following:
Professional dental cleanings
Professional dental cleanings help detect and remove plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach areas. This is important, as these substances can cause your gums to become irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. Once the plaque and tartar are gone, your gums will typically begin to heal independently without further treatments.Good oral hygiene
Practising oral hygiene is a great step towards successfully managing gum disease and keeping it from recurring. Your dentist can also discuss ways to prevent plaque buildup. Additionally, they’ll advise on good choices regarding mouthwash and how often you should use it.Scaling and root planing
This is a common management method for gum disease, such as periodontitis. It involves removing plaque and tartar buildup that has spread to the tooth’s root. This procedure can help stop inflammation and halt further damage caused by the disease.Bone restructuring
In advanced stages, minor procedures like bone rebuilding may be necessary.Tooth extraction
In more severe cases, removing the affected teeth may be necessary.
Can Invisalign Help to Prevent Gum Disease?
The benefits of Invisalign include the management of gum disease. Invisalign can reduce the risk of gum disease by reducing the teeth gap. This reduces the buildup of plaque, which is one of the primary causes.
Additionally, cleaning and maintaining the Invisalign devices is quite easy. This allows for more efficient brushing and flossing.
Advantages of Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth. Some benefits of Invisalign include the following:
- Better appearance:
The aligners are clear and almost invisible, making them a more attractive option than traditional metal braces. - Increased comfort:
The aligners are made of smooth plastic, making them more comfortable to wear than traditional braces. - Removability:
The aligners are removable, so you can eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual. - Improved oral hygiene:
Because the aligners are removable, cleaning your teeth is easier than using traditional braces. - Predictable results:
Invisalign uses advanced 3D imaging technology to create a personalised treatment plan, resulting in more predictable and accurate results. - Fewer dental visits:
Invisalign requires fewer dental visits than traditional braces, which is convenient for those with busy schedules. - No food restrictions:
You can eat whatever you want while using Invisalign if you remove the aligners first.
Aftercare of Invisalign With Gum Disease
Proper maintenance management is essential if you are a patient using Invisalign with gum disease. Aftercare following Invisalign treatment may involve the following:
Dental visits
People with gum disease may need additional visits to the dentist. These are necessary to ensure that the condition of your gums is monitored and that they remain healthy.Regular brushing and flossing
Since plaque can build up more quickly between teeth with Invisalign than with traditional braces, regular brushing and flossing are necessary to maintain oral health.Eat healthily and avoid tobacco
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, reducing sugar intake and abstaining from smoking can also help maintain healthy gums with Invisalign.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Invisalign is a great option for those who seek to straighten their teeth while taking a less invasive approach than traditional braces. The cost of Invisalign generally starts at \$4,500 and can increase to over \$9,000. Remember that prices may vary depending on how complex your dental case is, your location and what your dental insurance covers.
Alternatives to Invisalign Dealing with Gum Disease
Getting Invisalign while suffering from gum disease may be a hard road to trek. Your dentist may recommend one of two options depending on the state of your gums and jawbone. The first is to treat the active gum disease first and then re-evaluate if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, and the second may be choosing an alternative dental procedure to straighten your teeth altogether.
Below are practices that may help address your current gum disease concerns:
Waterpiks
These are great tools for keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy because the water pulses help remove plaque buildup more than traditional flossing.Fluoride toothpaste
Another popular alternative is using fluoride toothpaste twice daily to help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of developing new cavities or worsening existing ones.Electric toothbrush
This can assist in deep cleaning due to their ability to vibrate and oscillate, which is especially helpful for those with receding gums or in cases where management requires frequent scrubbing of the gum line.Meanwhile, if your dentist sees you unfit for Invisalign despite efforts to get rid of gum problems, there are other alternatives that encourage tooth mobility so you can still achieve that straight smile.
Traditional braces
These use brackets and wires attached to the teeth to move them into position gradually.Lingual braces
These are similar to traditional braces, but the brackets and wires are attached to the back of the teeth, making them less visible from the front.Ceramic braces
These are like traditional braces but use tooth-coloured brackets and wires to blend in with the teeth and make them less noticeable.Accelerated orthodontic treatment
This involves high-frequency vibration to speed up tooth movement and reduce treatment time.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, keeping your gum health in check is important if you’re considering Invisalign because even gum disease could affect your suitability. Everyone’s case is different, and a professional opinion should be taken, especially if severe gum disease exists.
Regular dental check-ups are essential for preventing, detecting and managing gum diseases in time. If you’re interested in this revolutionary way to straighten your teeth invisibly and have an attractive smile, why not book an appointment or call Joondanna today?
We can discuss whether or not Invisalign is right for you. Maintaining a healthy mouth and straight teeth is essential for overall well-being. Prioritise your gum health and contact a dental professional for an Invisalign consultation today.
