For patients with a history of periodontal disease, clear aligners may still be possible in many cases following an evaluation by your dentist and orthodontist. Some considerations:
- Your gum health and pocket depths will need to be fully stabilized first before starting orthodontic treatment. Active gum infections must be resolved.
- Excellent oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings are required to prevent infection flare-ups during the aligner process. Antibacterial rinses are recommended too.
- More frequent orthodontic monitoring will be needed to immediately address any gum irritation from aligners irritating tissues.
- You may need to pause aligner treatment periodically to allow any inflammation and swelling to subside before resuming.
- Sensitive toothpastes and gentle removal of aligners may help reduce tissue irritation. Wax can relieve sore spots too.
Are Clear Aligners More Discreet Than Traditional Braces?
While aligners move teeth with lighter forces than braces, which helps limit gum aggravation, prevention and quick response to any periodontal issues during treatment is key. But with proper precautions, many periodontal patients can still enjoy the benefits of straighter teeth with aligners! Discuss your options.
