The number of adults who are seeking orthodontic treatment over the past decade has increased in the United States for aesthetics, better chewing and quality of life.
Orthodontic treatment for crowded or misaligned teeth on the right candidate (i.e.a patient with stable periodontal health) can actually help in the long term, as the occlusion (the way the teeth come together) is more balanced and it is easier for the patient and hygienist to effectively clean your teeth.
If you have periodontal disease, in many cases you can still have orthodontic treatment (such as traditional braces or removable trays (eg Invisalign), although with a very important caveat - the disease must be stable which includes an absence of inflammation and bleeding. If teeth are moved when periodontal disease is not stable, it can lead to rapid jaw bone loss, which in turn can mean mobility (looseness) of teeth or even tooth loss. For this reason, your dentist or orthodontist may require ‘periodontal clearance’ or an assessment prior to moving forward with any orthodontic treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is essential - Dr Herron will work with your referring dentist or orthodontist to assess, plan and treat your particular case.
If you have unstable or active periodontal disease, this needs to be treated first. It is also vital to establish a consistent, appropriate periodontal maintenance schedule once periodontal stability is achieved, not only for the actual professional cleaning, but also to monitor your periodontal health during any active orthodontic treatment. If the disease becomes active, orthodontics may need to be ‘paused’ until the condition stabilizes again. This maintenance schedule will be recommended to you during your consultation with Dr Herron, after a comprehensive evaluation and collaborative approach with your dentist and orthodontic provider.
Oral Hygiene during orthodontic treatment
It is imperative to practice excellent oral hygiene during any orthodontic treatment and have consistent professional cleanings. If you have been treated for periodontal disease in the past and/or are still having your cleanings in a periodontal office, it is important to continue with this.
Due to the added attachments and orthodontic devices/hardware on the teeth, even when using removable retainers, there is a much greater chance of plaque accumulation. There are often more places for ‘bacteria to hide’. As plaque is the main driver of periodontal disease, it is particularly important to remove the bacterial plaque on a daily basis. Our hygienists will review hygiene recommendations for you and you can also check out our Homecare Education for tips and tools.