Can I Start Invisalign If I Suffer From Gum Disease?

Invisalign is an excellent treatment option that patients who visit Dr. Jose Omar Guillen and the team at Westwood Village Smiles turn to as an alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign corrects a wide range of alignment and bite issues using comfortable, discreet, clear plastic aligner trays. If you have been looking for a dentist in the Los Angeles, California, area who offers this popular treatment, look no further than Dr. Guillen. The Invisalign clear aligner treatment uses no metal wires or brackets, resulting in a treatment that won’t irritate your gums and mouth. If you suffer from gum disease and are interested in Invisalign, you may wonder if you would be considered a good candidate for the treatment. Let’s learn more about how gum disease can affect the Invisalign treatment.

The Cause of Gum Disease

Many factors can lead to the development of gum disease. These factors can include poor oral hygiene, smoking and use of tobacco products, medications, and genetics. Due to the low visibility of Invisalign trays, this form of orthodontic treatment is actually quite ideal for those with gum problems. However, it will require the patient’s cooperation, so if you believe you have gum disease, you should let your dentist know so that you can get on the road to recovery.

The Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease is easy to detect by a dentist but can be more difficult for the everyday individual. The initial stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This stage typically presents itself via bleeding and inflamed gums. If you notice that your gums are red or swollen, you should contact your dentist to schedule an appointment. As gum disease progresses, it will become periodontitis. These later stages of gum disease will result in your gums pulling away from your teeth, creating pockets between the gum line and the tooth. These developing pockets can collect food particles, bacteria, plaque, and other detriments, resulting in bone loss.

Gum Disease and Invisalign

If you have gum disease and are looking into starting Invisalign, there are some factors you will want to consider.

The Severity of Your Gum Disease

Before you begin any teeth straightening treatment, including Invisalign, the severity of your gum disease will need to be determined. Your dentist may recommend treatment for gum disease before starting Invisalign. Straighter teeth that are correctly aligned will decrease your risk for gum disease. Significantly, Invisalign can create a more attractive smile and set you up for future oral health success.

Your Current Eating Habits

Once you start Invisalign, you must remove your aligners when you eat and perform your oral hygiene routine. With Invisalign, it is recommended that you brush your teeth after eating and before bed. Because you do not want to overbrush, you may want to change how often you eat daily. Instead of having many snacks or smaller meals, you may want to stick to limited mealtimes, after which you will brush your teeth each time. If you do not brush your teeth, food particles that remain behind will stimulate the growth of bacteria, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

Schedule a Consultation

You should never start any medical treatment without first consulting a medical professional. Dr. Guillen is an Invisalign dentist who can sit down for a consultation with you in the Los Angeles, CA, area to determine if your dental situation qualifies you for treatment. Invisalign is great for treating mild to moderate bite issues, but more serious cases may need to be addressed by more traditional orthodontic treatment, like metal braces. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Guillen, please call Westwood Village Smiles at (310) 254-9355.

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