When it comes to oral health, the condition of the gums can be key. Proper brushing, flossing and the prevention of gingivitis can support good gum health; however, when individuals suffer from crooked teeth, an underbite or an overbite and choose to get braces, this may cause problems with the gingiva. Dental patients who want to repair uneven smiles should be aware of these issues, especially receding gums, which can cause pain and eventually tooth loss.
While braces can be beneficial for repairing uneven smiles by shifting teeth into new positions, they can also have a negative impact on the mouth’s gum tissue. As the braces push and pull on the teeth to move them into the desired position, they may also affect the jawbone that surrounds the teeth. This can cause a variety of problems:
Over time, as bone loss occurs, loss of the gum tissue may happen as well, which can result in receding gums. Individuals who are considering braces may want to understand what kind of risk factors may be involved and whether this problem can be avoided during and after the straightening process.
Some people may already have underlying risks for receding gums, so it is important to understand them before choosing to wear braces. Those with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, may be more prone to this problem. A complete oral exam and a discussion of a patient’s medical history, including gum problems that run in the family, can allow dentists to help these individuals make the best possible choice when it comes to straightening teeth.
If dental patients with crooked teeth experience interference with chewing or speaking or significant pain, then braces could repair these issues. If there is no evidence of gum disease or a history of periodontal problems, people fitted with braces may be able to avoid gum recession by following a few simple dental habits. Once the braces are fitted, wearers should brush more gently with a soft-bristled brush to avoid wearing away the gingiva. Consistent dental checkups to adjust the braces and inspect ongoing gum health can also help prevent gum damage.
Nontraditional braces such as clear aligners may lower the risk of gum recession because the devices are switched out as the teeth are shifted into place. Those considering braces can ask a dentist if these aligners may be a better choice when it comes to preventing periodontal pockets and other gum issues that lead to gingivitis.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: dental services in Quincy, MA.
While braces can help straighten teeth and give users the confidence to smile more often, these dental implements can also cause receding gums that can lead to oral health issues. When those who choose to wear braces understand the risks and how to protect their gingiva, the outcome is more likely to be a positive one.
Request an appointment or call Core Dental Group and Implants Center at 617-822-3400 for an appointment in our Quincy office.
Restorative dentistry treatments can change your smile and oral health dramatically. This dental subspecialty is particular because it allows patients to once again enjoy normal oral functions. The services deal with dental problems and help patients get back self-esteem and quality of life.The primary focus of a restorative dentist is the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment…
A broken tooth can cause a variety of urgent problems, from severe pain to bleeding, that require same day dentistry. This issue can happen in a number of ways, from a bad fall to a car accident or a sports injury. A qualified dentist can repair a tooth without the need for multiple appointments. Learning…
Has your dentist said that you need a full mouth reconstruction? The sound of this alone may be confusing or even scary. But, your oral health needs or cosmetic preferences may need that a reconstruction takes place. To ease your mind, you should learn everything you can about what this means and what the results…