If you’re considering getting braces, it’s important to consult a periodontist first.

The vast majority of individuals think dental braces are purely aesthetic. There are several advantages to wearing them besides just straightening your teeth. They facilitate eating by reducing crushing and chipping and by improving speaking habits. Having straighter teeth also makes it easier to clean them since you will have better access to any spots where food may have become lodged. When teeth are correctly aligned, it benefits the gums and the entire oral anatomy. If you have any further questions or would like to make an appointment with a denturist in Surrey BC.

Getting braces, however, is more complex than it might seem. They can worsen the situation if your teeth and gums are already weak, irritated, or damaged. The results of a thorough examination determine eligibility for dental care.

Securing the OK for Braces

If you have gum or tooth problems, a periodontist can fix them before you get braces. Your jaw, teeth, bite, and gums will all be evaluated as part of the exam. When evaluating your dental health, it’s important to include your age and any preexisting medical concerns.

Brackets can only be placed on teeth and gums that are otherwise healthy. Gum disease can be exacerbated by the way that wires, brackets, and even clear aligners can collect food and bacteria. You’ll require specialized treatment for your periodontal disease before getting new braces. Instances where these methods of care could be applied include:

Scaling and root planing

This type of deep cleaning is crucial in the fight against gum disease. To achieve the desired outcomes, you will need multiple consultations. To scale your teeth, tartar and plaque are removed by scraping them away. In the end, the tooth roots are planned to a smooth finish. This technique facilitates the gums’ ability to reconnect to the gum line.

As outpatient operations, scaling and root planing only require a local anesthetic. Your periodontist may recommend antimicrobial medicines and oral antibiotics for treatment, depending on the severity of your condition.

Surgery to Reduce Pocket Size

Teeth should have a solid connection to bone and gums. This anchorage degrades due to periodontal disease, leading to the formation of pockets around the teeth. Bacteria accumulate inside of them as they enlarge, leading to tissue and bone loss. Standard sanitation procedures would be ineffective in reaching these depths of the pockets. Gum tissue can reconnect after infection and inflammation are surgically removed.

Tissue Grafts

If your periodontist determines that you need a gum graft to save your teeth from the consequences of gum recession, they will likely recommend having one done. More and more of your teeth will get sensitive as they become exposed.