Can You Begin Invisalign If You're Affected by Gum Recession?
Invisalign works by a process known as bone remodelling, which moves your teeth at a pace that allows your jaw to reform as your teeth are moved into alignment. It's a safe, painless process, but your mouth needs to be in a sufficiently healthy state to support this process. If you've been affected by periodontal disease to the point that your gums have receded, you might be wondering whether Invisalign is for you.
Gum Recession
An orthodontist will be hesitant to begin Invisalign treatment if you're affected by gum recession. This isn't great news, but it's certainly not the end of the story. Your gum recession will need to be treated, but once this treatment (and any recovery time) is complete, you can begin your Invisalign treatment without further delay. But how is gum recession actually treated?
Gingivitis
Minor instances of gum recession can be caused by gingivitis, which is an inflammation of your gingival tissue, generally caused by an accumulation of dental plaque. Your dentist can remove this plaque and apply topical treatments as needed. In extreme cases, antibiotics such as metronidazole or amoxicillin may be prescribed. Once the inflammation has subsided, the extent of your gum recession can more accurately be assessed.
Advanced Recession
For advanced cases of gum recession, a gingival graft can be necessary. This is when a tiny amount of tissue is harvested from elsewhere in your mouth and grafted onto the deficient sections of your gums. This is a minor procedure with minimal recovery time. However, your gum recession will need to be reversed before you can begin with Invisalign. You're probably wondering if it's possible for Invisalign to aggravate your gums, perhaps causing them to recede again?
Invisalign and Your Gums
It's a logical thought since the Invisalign aligners will be making minor contact with your gums. You can rest assured that your treatment won't contribute to gum recession. Ultimately, it can reduce your chances of future gum recession. This is because misaligned teeth can be difficult to comprehensively clean, making it easier for plaque to accumulate and cause gingivitis. This becomes less of a concern once your Invisalign treatment is complete and your teeth have been aligned.
Gum recession doesn't prevent you from enjoying the benefits of Invisalign, but it might require treatment before you can get started. Think of it as a slight delay, instead of an impossible obstacle. Learn more about Invisalign by contacting a local dentist.
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