At Stroope Orthodontics, we are proud to help our patients achieve their dream smiles. Because a dream smile is also a healthy smile, we take a comprehensive approach to providing orthodontic treatment. This means that occasionally we must recommend having other oral health issues treated prior to starting your orthodontic plan.
Today, we want to talk about the importance of treating gum disease before getting braces.
Having a Healthy Mouth Before Getting Braces
Traditional braces and other orthodontic treatments gently shift your teeth over time to bring your smile into alignment. If gums and teeth aren’t healthy, they may not be able to handle orthodontic treatment. In addition, braces can exacerbate existing gum disease by further irritating gums. For optimal results, our team works with you to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and strong prior to getting braces.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
When it comes to gum disease, knowing the early warning signs is important. Schedule a dental exam if your gums: bleed easily; look abnormally red; feel tender; look swollen; or have receded from your teeth. You may also notice increased tooth sensitivity when chewing or eating cold or hot foods and beverages.
Gum Disease Treatment
Experts estimate that almost half of American adults have some form of gum disease. Luckily, gum disease is treatable if detected early. In milder cases, a professional deep cleaning and improved oral hygiene may be enough to treat the issue. During a deep cleaning, special instruments will be needed to clean under your gumline, removing plaque and tartar. More advanced cases may require root planing, medication, or other treatments.
Braces work best on a healthy foundation. If your teeth and gums are healthy and strong and you’re ready to embark on your orthodontic journey, contact us today to schedule a consultation at Stroope Orthodontics!
