Periodontics focuses on the health of your gums and the tissues and bone that support your teeth. When you’re considering braces or clear aligners, gum health is an important part of the orthodontic treatment process. While orthodontics focuses on straightening your teeth and improving your bite, healthy gums and supporting bone provide the foundation needed for safe and successful treatment.
When you think about braces, you probably think about creating a straighter, more confident smile. But orthodontic treatment involves more than the position of your teeth. Understanding the connection between periodontics and braces can help you protect your smile before, during, and after treatment.
What Is Periodontics in Dentistry?
Periodontics is a specialized area of dentistry focused on the health of the gums and the tissues and bone that support your teeth. A dental professional specializing in this area is called a periodontist.
Periodontics commonly addresses conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which can cause inflammation and damage to the tissues supporting your teeth.
Some common signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
If you experience these symptoms, your dentist can evaluate your gum health and determine whether periodontal treatment or a referral to a periodontist is appropriate.
Why Does Gum Health Matter Before Braces?
Braces and clear aligners use controlled forces to gradually move your teeth. Your gums and supporting bone provide the foundation around those teeth, so they need to be healthy enough to support orthodontic movement.
Can you get braces with gum disease? It depends on the condition of your gums and the severity of the disease.
If you have active periodontal disease, your orthodontist may recommend addressing your gum health before beginning orthodontic treatment. In some situations, your orthodontist may coordinate with your dentist or a periodontist to make sure your gums and supporting structures are healthy.
This doesn’t mean that someone with a history of gum disease can’t have braces. It simply means that periodontal health should be considered when creating your treatment plan.
Can Braces Help Your Gum Health?
The relationship between periodontics and orthodontics works both ways.
Crowded or crooked teeth can be harder to brush and floss effectively. Certain bite and alignment problems may also make maintaining good oral hygiene more challenging.
By properly aligning your teeth, orthodontic treatment can make some areas easier to clean and maintain. Good oral hygiene is still essential, however, especially while wearing braces.
How Do You Protect Your Gums During Braces?
Keeping your gums healthy throughout orthodontic treatment starts with consistent daily care:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth using floss or other tools recommended by your orthodontic team.
- Pay attention to your gumline and the areas around your brackets and wires.
- Keep regular dental visits for professional cleanings and dental examinations.
- Tell your dental or orthodontic team if you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, recession, or other changes in your gums.
These habits can help keep your teeth and gums healthy while your smile is being aligned.
Do You Need a Periodontist Before Braces?
Not everyone needs to see a periodontist before starting orthodontic treatment.
Your orthodontist and general dentist can evaluate your oral health and determine whether a periodontal evaluation is necessary. A referral may be recommended if you have signs of gum disease, gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, or a history of periodontal treatment.
The most important thing is to make sure your gums and supporting structures are healthy and monitored throughout your orthodontic journey.
Periodontics and Orthodontics: Working Together for a Healthy Smile
Orthodontics focuses on the alignment of your teeth and bite, while periodontics focuses on the health of the tissues supporting your teeth. When needed, these areas of dentistry can work together to support your overall oral health.
At Unique Orthodontics, we evaluate your individual smile and orthodontic needs during your complimentary consultation. If you are considering braces or clear aligners, our team can help determine whether you are ready to begin treatment and whether additional dental or periodontal care may be appropriate.
With eight convenient Central Valley locations, getting started is easy.
Ready to learn more about your orthodontic options? Schedule your complimentary consultation with Unique Orthodontics today.