Can You Get Braces with Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious condition affecting the gums and bones supporting your teeth. The question of whether you can get braces with periodontal disease is complex and depends on several factors. The short answer is: sometimes, but it requires careful consideration and often, prior treatment.
Getting braces while suffering from periodontal disease isn't impossible, but it's not a straightforward process. The presence of periodontal disease significantly increases the risk of complications during and after orthodontic treatment. This is because braces can make it harder to maintain optimal oral hygiene, potentially exacerbating existing periodontal problems.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection that damages the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth. It's often caused by plaque buildup, which leads to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of the disease that can result in tooth loss.
How Periodontal Disease Affects Orthodontic Treatment
The presence of active periodontal disease presents several challenges to orthodontic treatment:
- Increased risk of infection: Braces make it harder to clean your teeth thoroughly, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and worsen the gum disease.
- Difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene: The brackets and wires can make brushing and flossing challenging, leading to increased plaque accumulation and gum inflammation.
- Increased sensitivity and discomfort: Inflamed gums are already sensitive; braces can exacerbate this, causing significant discomfort.
- Slower healing: Periodontal disease can impair the body's ability to heal, potentially prolonging the orthodontic treatment and increasing the risk of complications.
- Potential for tooth loss: Severe periodontal disease may lead to tooth loss during or after orthodontic treatment.
Can I Get Braces if I Have Periodontal Disease?
The decision to proceed with orthodontic treatment while having periodontal disease should be made in consultation with both an orthodontist and a periodontist. They'll assess the severity of your gum disease and determine the best course of action. This might involve:
- Treatment of Periodontal Disease First: In most cases, active periodontal disease needs to be controlled or treated before orthodontic treatment begins. This often involves professional cleaning, scaling and root planing (to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line), and possibly antibiotics. Good oral hygiene practices are crucial.
- Close Monitoring: Even after periodontal disease treatment, close monitoring during orthodontic treatment is essential. Regular checkups with both the orthodontist and periodontist are crucial to detect and address any issues promptly.
- Modified Treatment Plan: The orthodontist may need to adjust the treatment plan to minimize the risk of complications. This could include using specific types of braces or appliances, or adjusting the treatment timeline.
What if I already have braces and develop periodontal disease?
If you develop periodontal disease while undergoing orthodontic treatment, it's crucial to inform your orthodontist and dentist immediately. They will likely recommend strategies to improve oral hygiene, manage the infection, and possibly modify the treatment plan.
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease During Orthodontic Treatment
Maintaining meticulous oral hygiene is paramount during orthodontic treatment, especially if you have pre-existing or developing periodontal disease. This includes:
- Brushing thoroughly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, brushing gently but carefully around the brackets and wires at least twice a day.
- Flossing carefully: Use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth and around the orthodontic appliances.
- Using an antimicrobial mouthwash: This can help reduce bacteria and plaque buildup.
- Regular dental checkups: Regular visits to both your orthodontist and dentist are essential for monitoring your oral health.
In conclusion, obtaining braces with periodontal disease isn't impossible, but it requires careful planning, monitoring, and potentially addressing the periodontal disease first. Open communication with your dental professionals is key to ensuring successful orthodontic treatment while protecting your overall oral health.
